Newcastle re-sign key duo

Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini and goalkeeper Tim Krul have signed new contracts with the club.

The deals put an end to any speculation about their future, with rumours suggesting Tottenham were eyeing a move for Krul while Coloccini had also been linked with a move away at the end of the season.

Both Krul and Coloccini were paraded at a press conference on Friday ahead of Saturday’s crunch derby against local rivals Sunderland.

Krul has put pen to paper on a deal that will see him remain on Tyneside until 2017, whilst Coloccini will be at the club until 2016.

Both deals become active on June 30 this year, and will be greeted well by the Newcastle faithful, who have been impressed by the form the club has shown in reaching sixth place on the Premier League table.

The duo have been instrumental in Newcastle’s rise up the ladder, and manager Alan Pardew was thrilled they would be extending their stay in the North-east.

“These are two fantastic deals for the club and we are all absolutely delighted,” Pardew said.

“To secure new contracts for Fabricio and Tim, two pivotal players at the club, is terrific news for all concerned, not just ahead of the derby but for the long-term future of the club.”

“It underlines the importance that we as a club place on building and retaining top class talent, and it demonstrates the intent of Newcastle United to be major players in the Premier League.”

“We now turn our attentions to tomorrow’s big game, boosted by this news – which I hope gives our incredible fans a huge lift too – and with the confidence to really make this a season to remember.”