Chris Hughton insists he has no plans to part company with Steven Taylor before the end of the season.
Magpies boss not looking to sell defender
Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton insists he has no plans to part company with Steven Taylor before the end of the season.
The 24-year-old defender is out of contract next summer and talks to secure him on extended terms have stalled.
There had been suggestions Hughton could cash in on Taylor in January rather than lose him on a free transfer next July.
Taylor is close to returning to full training after a shoulder injury and Hughton is more concerned with seeing him back in his starting XI than where he could be playing next season.
No progress
"I'm not aware of any progress at the moment," explained Hughton on Taylor's contract. "We still very much want him at this football club.
"We're looking at him being back in full training next week. He needs to get fit. We're aware of what a very good player he is. He's still in some ways a youngish man.
"He was only playing in the Under-21s until recently, performing very well. 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.
Asked if the club may want to sell Taylor, Hughton added: "I know what you're saying and what will happen in the future I don't know.
"For me at this moment he's very much part of the squad and I want him fit and available for selection. That's what I'd like."
