New Magpies deal for Williamson

Newcastle defender Mike Williamson has agreed a new five-and-a-half year deal, which ties him to the club until 2016.

Williamson has been instrumental in Newcastle making a solid return to the Barclays Premier League and manager Chris Hughton rates the 27-year-old as one of the finest defenders in the top flight.

Former Portsmouth defender Williamson told the club’s official website: “Playing in the Premier League with a club like Newcastle has been a dream for me, and I was delighted to agree a new contract to continue doing that until 2016.

“I’ve played in the lower leagues before, so to get the opportunity to play at St James’ Park every other week – and grounds like the Emirates and Old Trafford - is fantastic for me.”

Striker Nile Ranger has also signed a new five-and-a-half-year deal. The 19-year-old Londoner netted in the Carling Cup win against Chelsea earlier this season and has been a regular in the first-team squad.