Taylor commits to Magpies

Newcastle defender Steven Taylor has dashed reports of a move to Arsenal by signing a new five-and-a-half-year contract at St James' Park.

The centre-back's previous deal was due to expire at the end of this season and in the summer he had been placed on the transfer list after a breakdown in discussions.

But that impasse, which saw Taylor linked with Arsenal, was reached under the regime of former manager Chris Hughton before the differences were put on hold.

Alan Pardew has since taken over and he made it one of his priorities to secure the 24-year-old to a new deal, which he has now achieved.