Steven Taylor says it's crucial Newcastle United secure Michael Owen to a new contract.

The Geordie defender said: "Michael Owen is as important as Alan Shearer was for Newcastle.

"His record speaks for itself and it is vital he stays with us. Just one look at his record shows you how key a player is. I want him to stay and hopefully everyone can come to some sort of agreement.

"Does he want to stay? That is something for Michael to answer but he knows how much we value him. The man is a goal machine."