Newcastle are understood to be interested in hiring the German Thomas Tuchel as a replacement for the Crystal Palace-bound Alan Pardew.

The former Mainz manager, currently on a year’s sabbatical after stepping down in May, is highly rated as an innovative tactician with a talent for improving players in Bundesliga circles and would fit the Newcastle owner Mike Ashley’s desire for a gifted tracksuit coach.

Matters are complicated by the 41-year-old’s insistence he does not want to work again until the summer but Newcastle may attempt to change his mind.

Steven Taylor has confirmed that he ruptured an achilles tendon during Newcastle United’s 3-3 New Year’s Day draw at home to Burnley and is to have an operation on Wednesday which will sideline him until next season.

Taylor, meanwhile, used social media to confirm suspicions that his injury was season-ending. Writing on Sportlobster, the 28-year-old said: “Gutted to say I’m going to be out for the season. I ruptured my achilles in the last game. Thankfully it wasn’t the one I did a few years ago.

“I’ll have an operation on it on Wednesday but won’t make it back now for the rest of this season. I know what to do in the rehab from last time and will come back fitter and stronger than before. Thanks to everyone who sent nice messages, appreciate the support.”

His impending absence leaves Newcastle light in the central defensive department and Carver is expected to advise Ashley that signing a replacement this month should be a priority.