[kennethlindheim]

STEVEN TAYLOR is the shock leading candidate for the vacant Newcastle captaincy — and the chance to become the youngest United skipper of all time.

Magpies boss Sam Allardyce is ready to hand the armband to 21-year-old Taylor ahead of more senior candidates to succeed the departed Scott Parker.

Shay Given, Nicky Butt and Nobby Solano are also in the frame, but Allardyce believes Taylor may benefit most from the added responsibility of leadership.

Taylor is fighting to be fit for the start of the season on August 12, but that is not thought to have affected Allardyce’s thinking on the captaincy issue.

Given — Parker’s deputy last season — was thought to be favourite for promotion, but there remain doubts within St James’s Park over the wisdom of having a goalkeeping captain.

Newcastle’s hierarchy are delighted at the prospect of a return to the days of a Geordie skipper, with Taylor set to follow in the footsteps of Alan Shearer.

If he does get the nod, Taylor will replace Jermaine Jenas as Newcastle’s youngest skipper.

Jenas was 21 years and nine months when he led United out against Crystal Palace in November 2004 while Shearer was injured.

icNewcastle - Taylor in line to be skip