Magpies: Edgar not for sale

Newcastle have offered a new contract to central defender David Edgar.

Newcastle have offered a new contract to teenage central defender David Edgar with the intention of warding off interest from Spain.

The 18-year-old, son of former United keeper Eddie Edgar, starred in Friday's 2-0 defeat to a full strength Malaga side in Spain.

Chairman Freddy Shepherd told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle: "The Malaga people were so impressed with David that they asked us if we would sell him to them.

"But long gone are the days when we sell our best young players, so I told them that David would not be allowed to go to them or anyone else for that matter."

Glenn Roeder, the head of youth development at St James' Park, also confirmed that Edgar is attracting admiring glances from closer to home as he seeks to commit the player's long-term future to The Magpies.

"We have been putting together a new contract for young David Edgar and we will be asking him to sign it this week," said Roeder.

"Without putting pressure on the lad, people are starting to sit up and take notice of him.

"Wycombe boss John Gorman has asked us if we would let him go down there for a while like we did with Steven Taylor.

"Steven came on leaps and bounds at Wycombe before coming back but as far as David is concerned it's only the manager Graeme Souness who can decide."

Roeder is also expected to offer Shola Ameobi's younger brother, Sami, a professional contract before the end of the week.