Newcastle (8/15 – Match Betting) defender Steven Taylor has been transfer-listed ahead of the Magpies’ Carling Cup second-round clash at Accrington Stanley (5/1) tonight.

The former England Under-21 defender was listed by his club earlier today, but has subsequently hit back at claims in the media about the figures involved in his negotiations over a new four-year contract.

In a statement released to the media, his representative Paul Stretford said: “Steven is disappointed to learn through third parties about his transfer listing. He has always given 100 per cent to the club and will continue to do so.”

The 24-year-old missed much of last season through injury as Newcastle won the Championship to earn promotion back into the Premier League.

He is currently struggling with a shoulder problem which is expected to keep him out for the first three months of the campaign.

Newcastle boss Chris Hughton is likely to field several of his younger players at the Crown Ground, including Tim Krul in goal.

Haris Vuckic, Ryan Donaldson, Kazenga LuaLua, James Tavernier, Shane Ferguson and Tamas Kadar could all be involved.

Xisco has been added to the casualty list with a slight groin strain which could also keep him out of Saturday’s Barclays Premier League trip to Wolves, while midfielder Danny Guthrie is yet to recover from his knee problem.

Sol Campbell is working his way towards match fitness, while Danny Simpson, Leon Best and Dan Gosling are still out.