With slight concern over the future at Newcastle United they had some excellent news this weekend when it was announced that defender Steven Taylor has signed a new three-year deal.

The 22-year-old had been in talks with the club for over a year and rejected a five-year contract in 2007 because of a dispute over the terms of the offer. The fact that this excellent prospect has committed himself to the club is fantastic news for the toon Army.

With defence never having been Newcastle's strongest area Taylor has the ability to become the main reason for reversing that reputation. He has been nothing short of superb in his appearances for the England under twenty-one side and whilst his club form may not always reach those heights, he has shown enough to suggest that full England honours are certainly beyond him.

"I am thrilled to have signed this new contract. Newcastle United is my hometown club and the only team I've ever wanted to play for. I can't wait to get back into pre-season training next week," Taylor told the club website.

Taylor is a product of Newcastle's academy and could go on to become a real Toon legend.