Bradford City say Taylor is staying put

Alan Pardew wants the former England boss to be his assitant at St James's Park with the two clubs having met last week to discuss terms.

Responding to the rumours yesterday, Taylor said: "I will discuss that with the correct people.

"I don't want to be rude to anybody but there could be something in it. I would prefer to leave it at that."

Bantams chairman Mark Lawn also said yesterday: "Newcastle approached us between Christmas and New Year and we subsequently agreed compensation for the remainder of Peter's contract.

"But since then Peter has indicated he wants to stay and we hope that is the end of it."

The club have today issued a statement on their website that reads: "Bradford City can confirm that Peter Taylor has informed the club that he wishes to continue in his position as first-team manager.

"Taylor spoke with joint-chairman Julian Rhodes on Monday that he wants to stay at Valley Parade despite interest from another club."

Taylor, who succeeded Stuart McCall during the middle of last season, has five months left on his contract.

For more on this story read Wednesday's Yorkshire Post.