Source: Telegraph
Newcastle have opened contract talks with Steven Taylor, says Chris Hughton
Hughton is optimistic Newcastle can secure the former England Under-21 captain's future on a long-term basis to ensure he is not tempted to leave his newly-promoted club on a free transfer when his current deal expires at the end of next season. [LNB]"As I understand it, work is being done at the moment on a new contract for Steven Taylor and we are hopeful he will sign it," Hughton said. "It is something that we have been working on for a while, but these things do take some time. [LNB] Related ArticlesTransfer Talk - June 9Levein keeps up pressure on CarrollBarton urges Newcastle to emulate BirminghamHughton delighted with Championship titlePlymouth Argyle 0 Newcastle United 2Newcastle's travel plans hit by vocanic ash"I've had a chat with Steven and he is very much a player we want to keep and from what he has told me, he is also someone who very much wants to stay at Newcastle United."[LNB]Taylor, 24, has been tipped to quit Newcastle following a training ground bust-up towards to end of last season with team-mate Andy Carroll that left him with a badly broken jaw. [LNB]Now the pair seem appeared to have patched up their differences and seem certain to play alongside each other next term and become key figures for Hughton when top-flight football will return to Tyneside following a season in the Championship. [LNB]"As well as looking to sign new players this summer, which I am confident we will do, it is just as important that we keep the players we want to keep - Steven is definitely one of those," Hughton added. [LNB]"He may have missed the end of last season because of injury, but he was a key member of the side before then and he played a big role in getting us back into the Premier League. He is an important player for us and I want him to stay at the club."[LNB]Meanwhile, Hughton has ruled out a move for former West Ham striker Ilan, stating: "He is not a player we are interested in."[LNB]
