Source: Northern_Echo
Hughton wants Taylor to stay put
CHRIS HUGHTON has reassured Steven Taylor that he has a vital part to play for Newcastle United this season, despite failing to find a solution to his ongoing contract wrangle.[LNB] Taylor has been on the transfer list since August after talks over extending his existing deal broke down over terms.[LNB] The defender is due to return to training with the first team next week after recovering from a dislocated shoulder suffered in the pre-season friendly at Carlisle.[LNB] He is by no means certain of his place in the team, with Sol Campbell currently playing the support role to Fabricio Coloccini and Mike Williamson at the heart of the defence.[LNB] Hughton, who accepts that owner Mike Ashley could be forced to sell in January if a suitable offer arrives for a player who is out of contract next summer, is more than happy to play Taylor in the Premier League this season.[LNB] Hughton said: What will happen in the future I don't know, but for me at this moment he's very much part of the squad and I want him fit and available for selection.[LNB] I'd like him for the rest of the season.[LNB] Taylor was submitted to the Premier League as part of Newcastle's squad at the end of August so is clearly still in the manager's plans.[LNB] And on the back of Andy Carroll committing to a new five-year contract last week, Hughton would like to see Taylor follow and agree what has been offered at St James' Park.[LNB] But the dispute between the Taylor camp and the Newcastle boardroom has increased the chances of him moving on, either in January or at the end of the campaign.[LNB] Taylor would prefer to stay at the club where he has been attached since his Academy days.[LNB] It is not too long ago that he was hailed as a candidate to become an integral part of the England senior squad, but now such talk is centred on team-mate Carroll.[LNB] Hughton still thinks Taylor can return to such heights. He said: I'm not aware of any progress at the moment (on talks). We still very much want him at this football club.[LNB] We're looking at him training next week. He needs to get fit.[LNB] We're aware of what a very good player he is. He's still in some ways a youngish man.[LNB] He was only playing in the Under-21s until recently, performing very well.[LNB] Once he's back to fitness he very much puts himself back in the frame to play and when that's the case he's a very good player.[LNB] In Taylor's absence, Campbell remains the only experienced contender to replace Coloccini at the heart of the defence should he fail to recover from the groin problem he picked up at Manchester City.[LNB] However, Coloccini has progressed well and is in line to return so Hughton looks set to name Campbell on the bench again.[LNB]
