Nolan to sign Newcastle deal within two weeks

Newcastle captain Kevin Nolan is ready to sign a new contract to end speculation over his future.

The 28-year-old midfielder has become a key figure at the club and team-mate Joey Barton has indicated that if the former Bolton player signs a new deal, he will follow suit. Nolan said: "Negotiations are at an advanced stage. I would think I will sign next week or the week after."

Nolan, Barton and Jose Enrique are all players whose futures manager Alan Pardew hopes to secure, although while there have been suggestions Barton was also ready to extend his stay on Tyneside, the Spaniard has been linked with a number of clubs, including Liverpool.