Defensive target signs new deal
Taylor was linked with a move to Celtic during the summer after failing to agree to a new deal at St James Park deal.
Whether there was a real interest from Celtic in the defender or just an enquiry about a player in dispute with his club is not known.
Taylor has recently won his place back in the Newcastle team and was allegedly on the receiving end of a training ground attack from Andy Carroll last season.
Speaking to the Newcastle United website the 24-year-old said: “I am absolutely delighted to have agreed terms with the club on a new long term contract that will see me play for Newcastle United in my prime years.
“I joined the club as a boy and feel confident that I can fulfil all my professional ambitions here at my hometown club.
“Throughout the past few months I have never lost hope that everything could be sorted and that I could stay here and play for this fantastic football club.”
“I would like to thank the fans for their support throughout the contract negotiations and I’ll look to repay them with my performances in the black and white shirt. Also Chris Hughton for bringing me back into the team.
“Alan Pardew who made it clear from day one that he wanted me to stay at the club, the board and management for their willingness to work together to find an agreement and finally my agent Paul Stretford for always having my best interests at heart.”
A more relaistic defensive target is Nottingham Forest’s Kelvin Wilson who is out of contract in the summer and out of favour with Billy Davies.
The 25-year-old hasn’t played since the end of October and has been a long term target of Neil Lenon who spent six months playing alongside Wilson at Forrest.
Talks between Wilson’s agent, former Celt Brian O’Neil, and Forest broke down without any agreement being reached.
Wilson lost his place in Davies’ side due to a back injury but is now fully fit again.
Another defender regularly linked with a move to Celtic appears to be close to joining Paris St Germain.
Ivan Ramis was reportedly very close to joining Celtic from Real Mallorca in January before the deal fell through at the eleventh hour.
Mallorca are reluctant to let the defender leave but their continuing financial problems, which excluded them from playing in the Europa League, could force through a £1m deal.
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