Newcastle United head coach Steve McClaren has insisted that captain Fabricio Coloccini wants to remain at the club.

The Argentine defender has not featured in any of Newcastle's pre-season friendlies, which has led to speculation over his future with the Magpies.

However, McClaren has revealed that the 33-year-old has made it clear that he wants to stay at St James' Park.

"It is purely the injury why he is out and apparently he has this every year," McClaren told the Northern Echo.

"I have spoken to him several times and he has been here seven years at Newcastle. He is coming towards the end of his career and he wants to finish it here. I said 'great, that will do me.' Those are the kind of words I like to hear. Let's just get him on the field of play now.

"He has a year left on his contract and Newcastle have always been his preferred choice. I know there has been a lot of speculation, but my indication is he wants to stay here and take the club forward."

Coloccini has been linked with Crystal Palace, who are managed by his former Newcastle boss Alan Pardew.