Danny Guthrie is set to be handed a new deal at Newcastle United.

The Evening Chronicle says United will offer the midfielder a new long-term deal after a string of fine performances convinced the club that he IS the man to step in for Cheick Tiote when the Ivorian enforcer heads for the African Nations Cup in January.

Guthrie's deal runs out at the end of the season and Newcastle's board were stalling on a new offer for a player who has appeared 79 times for the club without ever nailing down a first-team role.