Pardew keeps hold of Coloccini

Alan Pardew has confirmed Fabricio Coloccini will remain at Newcastle until the end of the season and retain the captain’s armband.

The Argentina international was previously reported as being unhappy at the club, with a move back to South America his preferred solution.

However, a proposed move to Argentine club San Lorenzo did not transpire, and following a meeting with the centre-back, Pardew has said the 31-year-old will stay at St James Park until at least the end of the campaign.

“Coloccini will stay and will remain captain,” Pardew told reporters at a press conference on Friday.

The news is a welcome boost to Newcastle as they seek to move away from the English Premier League relegation zone.

It remains to be seen if Coloccini will stay with Newcastle beyond the end of the season.