Newcastle defender Steven Taylor insists that the club must do everything in its power to hold on to skipper Fabricio Coloccini.
Coloccini handed in a transfer request at the Magpies during the January transfer window as he looks to try and secure a return to his former club San Lorenzo in Argentina.
Taylor believes the importance of the former Deportivo La Coruna man and the experience he brings to the back four has been crucial over the last few years.
San Lorenzo club president Matias Lammens has revealed that he will be travelling to England during the summer to try and secure a deal for the Argentina international who has played 163 times for the North East club.
Taylor said: "The lads love playing with him and we hope he stays. He's a very quiet guy, but when he speaks, he speaks very well.
"Colo and I have had a great partnership over the past few seasons. We have a good understanding. We know each other's strengths and weaknesses. We seem to be able to mix it up.
"He's very composed and he's not shy of a tackle as well. He's been great a guy in training. You can learn a lot from him."
Have you an opinion on this story? Put your money where your mouth is and claim a free £25 bet.
var url = encodeURIComponent(window.location.href);
var title = encodeURIComponent(document.title);
document.write('Help others find this article at Del.icio.us, Digg, Netscape, Yahoo! and Reddit.');//, and Simpy.');
Taylor hopeful over skipper
Fri, 24 May 2013 12:13
Toon to stick with Pardew
Thu, 23 May 2013 20:53
Carroll return ruled out
Thu, 23 May 2013 06:20
Pardew fears star bids
Wed, 22 May 2013 05:59
Pardew set for crunch Toon talks
Wed, 22 May 2013 13:42
Colo drops future hint
Tue, 21 May 2013 06:36
Pardew looks to keep job and strengthen
Mon, 20 May 2013 05:35
Emotional Harper bows out on a high
Mon, 20 May 2013 16:09
Pardew opens up on ups and downs
Sat, 18 May 2013 14:10
Taylor back for Newcastle
Fri, 17 May 2013 15:33
Open all references in tabs: [1 - 7]