Adrian Mariappa
Mariappa is a confirmed target for Newcastle. REUTERS

Newcastle are set to offer a final bid for Adrian Mariappa, according to numerous sources, with the defender still on Alan Pardew's radar despite Watford demanding a high price for their top player.

Mariappa was the subject of a bid from St James' Park last week, but Watford boss Sean Dyche insisted that the Toon had gotten nowhere near the price they would consider selling the 25 year old for.

"It was a very simple chain of events; a bid was made and we need to make it clear that it was nowhere near what we consider to be his valuation," Dyche said, as reported by the Chronicle.

"We have a club policy where we don't give valuations because you get into weird territory.

"But it was nowhere near what we think he is worth.

"If those figures reach what this club think is appropriate, through the owner, the board, myself and Ross Wilson (head of football business), then we will talk about it but they a miles away at this moment in time."

With that in mind, the Daily Mail are now claiming that Newcastle will table another bid, though they still don't believe that Watford's £4 million asking price is a fair evaluation of the lower league star.

The Journal is also reporting that Newcastle are unconvinced over Mariappa's current price tag, though they are willing to offer an improved bid on their first one of £2 million.

The local paper also believes that Mariappa is pushing for a move to St James' Park, which could see him go for less than Dyche is hoping for.

Playing in either centre back or full back, Mariappa is said to be particularly wanted for the squad because he can provide extra support for Fabricio Coloccini and Mike Williamson.

Alan Pardew has so far confirmed one signing this season, in the form of striker Papiss Demba Cisse. The 26 year old is yet to feature for the side, currently in Africa for the continent's Cup of Nations tournament, and Pardew is hoping to get the situation sorted so that Cisse can play as soon as possible.

"It's not as simple as them playing at Blackburn," Pardew told the Journal.

"We have to contact Senegal and they might want the squad to fly back together or whatever. But we are pushing to get them back into Newcastle.

"I really don't know what the chances are because it's kind of over there. I really could not put a percentage on it."