TOON TRIO SET FOR CONTRACT TALKS

NEWCASTLE UNITED have entered into contract talks with Nolberto Solano, Andy Griffin and Steve Harper, as manager Bobby Robson aims to tie the brightest young talent to St James` Park on long-term deals.

The trio still have 18 months remaining on their current deals, but Robson is desperate to make sure that he does not get into the situation where his players can sign on a Bosman for a foreign club in 11 months` time.

Peruvian midfielder Solano is sure to be The Magpies` number one priority, and he had earlier stated that he is keen to extend his stay on Tyneside - despite attracting interest from a host of Europe`s top clubs.

Goalkeeper Harper has alternated with Shay Given for the first-team spot this season and is likely to accept improved terms after being given the opportunity of Premiership football by Robson.

Griffin, meanwhile, has found his stay on Tyneside dogged by injury since his transfer from Stoke, but Robson is expressing his regard for the full back by sitting down to thrash out a new deal.

Meanwhile, confusion over the loan stay of Wayne Quinn at Newcastle has reared its head, with The Magpies insisting that it is a five-week deal, rather than the month that was initially reported.