Mort keen on Taylor deal

Toon chairman eager to thrash out terms

Last updated: 23rd April 2008

Steven Taylor

Taylor: Important signing

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Newcastle chairman Chris Mort has spoken of his desire to commit Steven Taylor to a long-term deal at St James' Park.

The 22-year-old defender is currently stalling on fresh terms having been less than enamoured with the offer put on the table in September.

Under Kevin Keegan's tenure the fans' favourite has further established himself as a key member of Newcastle's squad and has in the past intimated a desire to remain with his hometown club.

Mort has been charged with the task of keeping both Taylor and Michael Owen in the North East and is hopeful of concurring on a deal with the former before too long.

Considerable promise

He said: "Steven Taylor is a young and very promising defender in the team.

"We would like him to stay at Newcastle United long term.

"We will sit down with Steven and his father, and hopefully work something out."

Keegan, Mort and executive director (football) Dennis Wise are currently considering their options for strengthening the squad after last Sunday's 2-0 derby victory over Sunderland finally secured their place in the Premier League for next season.