Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has confirmed that Fabricio Coloccini will stay with the club until at least the end of the season.

The 31-year-old has been heavily linked with a return to Argentina after requesting to leave the Premier League club for personal reasons.

Speculation that he may be allowed to move on has increased lately, with centre-back Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa arriving from Montpellier.

But, Pardew has confirmed that Coloccini will be staying, and will keep his role as club captain.

"Coloccini is going to stay with us and will remain as captain, which is fantastic news for us,” he told The Guardian.

"We have managed to persuade him that, as much as his family, we need him.

“He has shown fantastic loyalty to come and play and see us through to the summer at the very least."

This news comes as a real boost for the Magpies, who are looking to move clear of the relegation zone after an underwhelming start to the season.

Newcastle have been very busy in the transfer market of late, with Yanga-Mbiwa’s arrival just one of a handful of additions made by Pardew.

Mathieu Debuchy, Yoan Gouffran and Massadio Haidara have all arrived at St James’ Park and it is believed that Moussa Sissoko is close to sealing a move to the club from Toulouse.

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