Solano happy to stay

The Peruvian winger has seen a number of midfielders arrive in recent seasons and reports in the North East had suggested that he may be sacrificed by Sir Bobby Robson.

However, Solano is determined to remain at St James' Park, and he has revealed that he is happy with life on Tyneside.

"I have a contract for three more years and in football you never know what will happen. But I am happy to be at the club," said Solano.

"My mind is on coming back to Newcastle next season and playing in the Champions League again.

"I want to be here, one of the reasons being that we have played in the greatest club competition in the world.

"Sir Bobby Robson has done a fantastic job in building a very strong squad and nobody has his position in the team guaranteed.

"Everybody has to fight to be in the team and it is good for the manager that he has so many choices.

"He has brought in a new player in Darren Ambrose and, like everyone else, he will have to fight for his place.

"But we need a big squad as we will be playing in four competitions again next year.

"And, like Manchester United and Arsenal, we need the rotation system because you cannot play the same team every game.

"We have gone from fourth place to third this season and we are a young squad who can only improve all the time.

"But I am still a little bit disappointed that we did not win something this season, because I thought we had a great chance to lift either the Worthington Cup or the FA Cup. But it wasn't to be."