Steven Taylor Is NOT Set To Leave Newcastle!

Last updated : 08 September 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

The 21-year-old, wants a decent wage and I'm sure Newcastle will provide it.

So take today's article with a pinch of salt: "Rafael Benitez has been placed on red alert after Newcastle centre-half Steven Taylor turned down the offer of a new five-year contract at St James' Park.

"His father and representative, Alf, confirmed the defender had rejected an offer that was described as 'disappointing'.

"With Sami Hyypia approaching retirement, Benitez is understood to regard Taylor as an ideal back-up to his preferred defensive partnership of Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger."

Taylor's father Alf, who is currently representing the defender, insisted his son is desperate to stay on Tyneside.

Alf Taylor: "I only hope that they are not trying to force Steven out.

"He loves Newcastle United and it is the only club he wants to play for, but he is most disappointed at what they are offering him.

"Fans seeing the likes of Albert Luque and Jean-Alain Boumsong coming into the club with massive wages must think Steven is also on big bucks, but that is not the case.

"He is not playing for Newcastle for the money, but because he loves football and the club.

"But having said that, it is a short career and the financial aspect is still important.

"Fortunately, while he is disappointed, Steven has never - nor ever will - let it affect his performance on the field.

"He is a local lad who only wants to play for his local team.

"But perhaps that is why his contract offer is not in the same category as those players who are coming in from all over the place.

"Yet I do not see this being a problem at Liverpool with Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher."