Premiership: Solano signs new Magpies deal

Nolberto Solano has signed a new contract that will keep him at Newcastle United for the next five years.

The Peruvian international midfielder, Solano, who is resting before next month’s Copa America in Colombia, said: "After all the talk about me moving abroad I am happy to be staying at Newcastle United.

"The the length of my contract shows just how committed I am to the club as I will now be staying until I am 31."

Solano was the last of Kenny Dalglish’s signings and the £2.5m United paid Boca Juniors has turned out to be a bargain.

Solano has had an unhappy year both on and off the field. There was his off-on international career and subsequent fall-outs with Magpies boss Bobby Robson followed by a claim that he had an invalid passport.

A drink driving charge saw the Newcastle midfielder banned from driving for 18 months.

A Magpies spokesman said: "We are particularly happy for Nobby because it seems to have been all bad news for him lately."

England Under-21 international Andy Griffin, who is recovering after a hernia operation, has also signed a new three-year deal.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Steve Harper has signed a new deal at the club.

The shot-stopper agreed terms last season and has put pen to paper on a contract which will keep him at St James' Park for the next four seasons.