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Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor is closer to agreeing a new contract to remain with the Magpies, according to his agent.

Taylor, 24, has been locked in negotiations over a new long-term deal for a number of months.

However, agent Paul Stretford has denied suggestions that the north-east native could be on his way out of St James' Park following a contract stalemate.

Taylor is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury which will force him to miss the start of the new Premier League season.

"It would not be right to go into specific details as I don't believe it would help the situation. Suffice to say matters are not progressing as I would like them to or would expect, but I am hopeful that there will be some movement in the near future," explained Stretford.

"In the case of Steven it is typical of modern contract negotiations; they can become difficult and drawn-out.

"But from our point of view we are keen to try to conclude matters in the near future."

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