Newcastle United and Steven Taylor have held positive talks which may see the defender remain with the club.
It looked certain that Taylor would leave St James' Park in January ahead of his contract expiring at the end of the season but recent discussions with new manager Alan Pardew went well and he may remain after all.
"It's been a difficult year for me with injuries, but it looks as if it could finish on a high," he said.
"It was music to my ears when he told me he wanted to stay.
"That's the best possible thing that could have happened to me, for a new manager to come in and tell me how much he wants me to stay.
"That's exactly what I wanted to hear. I don't want to be unwanted. For him to say he wanted me here and will do everything he can for me, was brilliant. Everyone knows how much I want to stay here."
