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Newcastle United are understood to have been offered Cardiff City centre-back Steven Caulker.

The 22-year-old wants to leave the Bluebirds and has an £8m relegation release clause in his contract

Caulker was part of the Cardiff team relegated last season after an £11m move to Wales from Tottenham turned sour.

Alan Pardew is keen to bolster his squad in all areas and the Toon chief and new managing-director Lee Charnley are working behind the scenes to add to bring in their next new face.

However, the Chronicle understands a winger and a striker remain the main priority for the Magpies.

Newcastle, though, could well swoop for another centre-back if they can move on Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and Pardew is well aware of Caulker’s capabilities.

Should the ex-Montpellier man find a clubin France then Newcastle are likely to reconsider their defensive targets.

Fabricio Coloccini remains first choice for the Magpies, and the skipper partnered Mike Williamson in the middle of Pardew’s back four for much of the last campaign.

Steven Taylor could end up third choice at the start of next term, but will be given every opportunity to prove his worth in pre-season.

But injuries cut into Pardew’s squad at times last season and extra cover will be required if Yanga-Mbiwa is sold.

Caulker is keen to get his next move sorted and has already started his own fitness regime ahead of pre-season training.

Crystal Palace, Swansea City and Liverpool have all been linked with the one-time England international and Great Britain player who starred at the London Olympics in 2012.

Tottenham have also been linked with re-signing the player they sold to Cardiff last term.