Newcastle make 'final bid' for Watford defender Adrian Mariappa

Newcastle have made their final bid for Watford defender Adrian Mariappa, manager Alan Pardew said today.

Pardew is keen to add a defender to his squad with Steven Taylor out for the season because of an Achilles injury, and has been tracking Mariappa, 25, for some time.

He said: "We have made our last bid now and it's a final bid so if he doesn't come today then he probably won't come to this football club because in the summer we will probably look elsewhere."

Press Association Sport understands Watford have already rejected a bid today from Wigan for a player whose future has been the subject of considerable speculation.

Newcastle were first knocked back last Monday, with the Magpies' submission deemed to be well below the npower Championship club's valuation.

Newcastle are believed to have come back in for Mariappa, who has also been linked with Arsenal, on at least two further occasions last week only to be denied each time.

Meanwhile, Pardew also confirmed the club would contest Yohan Cabaye's charge of violent conduct.

The Football Association confirmed yesterday the French midfielder has been charged after allegedly kicking out at Brighton's Egyptian defender Adam El-Abd in their FA Cup defeat on Saturday.

PA