Newcastle's Steven Taylor has rejected a new five-year contract -
with his father claiming the defender is "most disappointed" with
the offer.
The 21-year-old, one of the brightest prospects to emerge from the
club's Academy in recent years, is currently on international duty,
captaining England's Under-21s in the European Championship
qualifiers.
However, his future with his home-town club remains uncertain after
he turned down the Magpies' offer.
Taylor's current deal runs until the summer of 2009, but he is
looking for improved terms as his stature continues to grow.
France Under-21 international Charles N'Zogbia this week signed a
new five-year deal, while England college James Milner also
recently committed his future to the club.
Taylor's father Alf, who is currently representing the defender,
insisted his son is desperate to stay on Tyneside, but expressed
his disappointment at the offer currently on the table.
He said: "I only hope that they are not trying to force Steven
out.
"He loves Newcastle United and it is the only club he wants to play
for, but he is most disappointed at what they are offering
him."
Taylor's contractual situation has been up in the air for several
months, but has been exacerbated by recent developments.
New signing Abdoulaye Faye has reportedly been handed a
£30,000-a-week deal, with Taylor believed to be commanding less
than a third of that.
Now the Taylor camp are hoping for an improved offer reflecting the
defender's development into a genuine first team member.
Taylor's father said: "Fans seeing the likes of Albert Luque and
Jean-Alain Boumsong coming into the club with massive wages must
think Steven is also on big bucks, but that is not the case.
"He is not playing for Newcastle for the money, but because he
loves football and the club."
