ALAN Shearer is not the only person frustrated at the confusion surrounding Newcastle United – defender Steven Taylor is edging towards the St James’ Park exit door after growing increasingly disillusioned with the club’s current predicament.

Taylor, who has been the subject of sustained interest from a number of Premier League clubs in the last month, will sever his links with the Magpies if Mike Ashley’s attempts to sell the club do not bear fruit within the next fortnight.

And having spent the final eight weeks of last season working under Shearer, the experienced England Under- 21 international is unlikely to remain at St James’ if Newcastle’s all-time record goalscorer is not installed as manager.

Taylor remains committed to his hometown team, and is keen to help the Magpies attempt to return to the topflight at the first time of asking next season.

But with West Ham, Wigan and Everton all interested in securing his services, Taylor is likely to be one of the first players to leave Tyneside this summer if Shearer is not asked to return to the temporary position he vacated at the end of last season.

Despite only making his senior debut in 2004, Taylor has already worked under ten permanent and temporary Newcastle managers and, like Shay Given before him, the 23-year-old is tired of the seemingly endless upheaval.

He enjoyed working with Shearer in the final stages of last season, and has publicly urged the Magpies hierarchy to appoint the former Newcastle skipper on a permanent basis.

“The only person I think can take us back up is Alan Shearer,” said Taylor. “He has been fantastic to work with and let’s hope I get the chance to work with him again. He has been unbelievable with all the players.”