Chris Hughton wants to keep Steven Taylor

Aug 26 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

CHRIS Hughton is desperate to keep Steven Taylor – and reckons the homegrown defender wants to stay too.

Newcastle transfer-listed the 24-year-old yesterday after contract talks between the two parties broke down.

However, United boss Hughton reckons there is still a chance of Taylor staying at St James’ Park and is hopeful he will not be gone by the end of the transfer window.

He said: “It is a situation we hope will be resolved. Everybody is aware of what has happened today, that is because of a breakdown in contract talks between the two parties.

“Steven Taylor is very much a player we would like to stay at the club. He is a quality player and I am very hopeful this can be resolved.

“I believe Steven wants to stay. All parties want this to be resolved.”

The Taylor controversy aside, Hughton was happy with a performance and result which justified his decision to make 11 changes and draft in a slew of inexperienced players.

Newcastle go into Saturday’s third-round draw with Hughton unsure about whether he will proceed with his kids first policy.

He added: “It was a tough test but the ground and the atmosphere they have here, all the players know they have been in a game. We knew there was an element of risk with the team we picked.

“There always is when you put such a young side out, but I think it was justified by the result and the performance we put on.

“I think it shows there has been progress with the young players.

“Will I do the same in the next round? It depends who we get.”

Meanwhile, Hughton said the club hope to get Cheick Tiote’s work permit passed in the next 48 hours.

The club were in London yesterday to make an application for the £3.5million Ivory Coast midfielder.