• Premier League

Pardew confident of keeping Taylor at club

ESPN staff
December 19, 2010
Steven Taylor has fallen down the pecking order at Newcastle © Getty Images
Enlarge

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is confident of keeping Steven Taylor, who is out of contract in the summer, at St James' Park.

Taylor appeared destined for the exit door after negotiations hit an impasse, but Pardew is hopeful that he can breathe fresh life into talks.

The new boss can hand Taylor a boost by re-establishing him in the first team, with Fabricio Coloccini and Mike Williamson the favoured defensive duo for ex-boss Chris Hughton.

"I have spoken to Steven Taylor this week," Pardew said. "I haven't had an indication that he wants to leave. It is far from resolved but I think it is a decision where Steven wants the contract to be right for him.

"He wants a contract that he thinks is fair for his ability and his ability going forward. I think that is fair. That is something I will try and work out when I sit down with him and his agent.

"I will try and get a resolution. I think if he could, he would stay if we can get that right. I want him to stay. I want to know what the problem is and can we resolve it.

"We might not, but I am hoping we can. He is a good player and has been involved in the full England squad. You don't want to lose a player of that calibre. My job is to ensure I do everything I can to keep him. If I don't, we have to go and get a replacement of his calibre."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices