Newcastle United are closing in on AC Milan fullback Taye Taiwo.

Dutch media sources say Newcastle have dropped their interest in PSV Eindhoven defender Erik Pieters as they've already opened talks with Milan for Taiwo.

Taiwo represents the cheaper option and the Nigeria international is eager to see the deal done after a difficult six months in Italy.

The free-scoring left-back was Bosman signing from Marseille last summer.