Newcastle United skipper Fabricio Coloccini would like to see Carlos Tevez stay with Manchester City.

The two friends clash today at St James' Park.

Coloccini, 30, insisted: "I hope Tevez stays because it's better for everyone to have the big players in the Premier League. The top players have to be here, that's why it's the most important league. Carlos is playing very well and makes a difference in every game.

"We're friends, but not on the pitch. Of course, they're going to fight for the league, but we're fighting for our options. I wouldn't be very popular with him if we stop City winning the league.

"We don't want to hand the title to Man City or give it to Man United. We're thinking only about our job, because we're fighting for third or fourth place.''