Taylor extends Newcastle stay

Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor has shown faith in new manager Alan Pardew by committing to a five-and-a-half year deal.

Taylor, 24, was transfer-listed earlier in the season as contract talks stalled at St James’ Park, and the sacking of popular manager Chris Hughton fuelled speculation the versatile defender would be walking away from the club in January.

But Pardew always maintained that Taylor was a required player at the Magpies, and the former England Under-21 captain has responded by committing until July 2016.

“I am absolutely delighted to have agreed terms with the club on a new long-term contract that will see me play for Newcastle United in my prime years,” Taylor said in a statement.

“I joined the club as a boy and feel confident that I can fulfil all my professional ambitions here at my hometown club.”

“Throughout the past few months, I have never lost hope that everything could be sorted and that I could stay here and play for this fantastic football club.”

“I would like to thank the fans for their support throughout the contract negotiations and I’ll look to repay them with my performances in the black and white shirt.”

Taylor becomes the third Newcastle player to sign a long-term deal in the last month, following on from Mike Williamson and Nile Ranger.

Pardew said he was delighted to retain the services of the defender, a bright prospect who was reportedly being monitored by several Premier League clubs.

“I’ve always really admired Steven Taylor and I thought it was imperative that we kept him here. He’s still young, he’s a Geordie and he’s a top defender,” Pardew said.

“He’s played a lot of games for somebody his age, played in Europe and captained his country at Under-21 level, and that says everything you need to know about him.”

“Steven is somebody who can be a bedrock of our defence for a long time to come, and it’s great news that he’s staying. I made it one of my priorities when I arrived. Steven is just the sort of player that we need to keep at this club.”