Magpies lodge Mariappa bid?

Newcastle United have made an offer for Hornet’s centre-back Adrian Mariappa, according to Sky Sports News.

It was revealed on Sunday that the 25 year-old centre-back was believed to be interesting the Magpies.

United boss Alan Pardew is without one of his first-choice centre-backs for the season in Steven Taylor leaving him with just ex-Watford man Mike Williamson and Fabricio Coloccini.

Mariappa has been virtually ever-present for the last two seasons now, missing just one game last term through suspension.

The academy product has 18 months remaining on his contract, leaving the Hornets in a fairly strong position for bargaining.