Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini has agreed to stay at the club until at least the end of the season.

Coloccini's future had come under intense speculation after the Argentine requested a return to his home country for personal reasons, with San Lorenzo rumoured to be interested in the defender.

However, the 31-year-old has now agreed to stay with the Magpies as they look to distance themselves from a potential relegation battle.

"Coloccini is going to stay with us and will remain as captain, which is fantastic news for us," said manager Alan Pardew.

"We have managed to persuade him that, as much as his family, we need him. He has shown fantastic loyalty to come and play and see us through to the summer at the very least."

Newcastle currently sit 16th in the Premier League table, just two points clear of the bottom three.