Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has insisted that defender Davide Santon is happy at St James' Park.

The 22-year-old has been linked with a return to Italy with AC Milan, but Pardew has admitted that he is keen to keep Santon and he does not envisage the Italian defender joining his former club's fierce rivals.

Pardew told reporters: "He's had a terrific season. I don't know about from Inter Milan to AC Milan, how that's going to work.

"I think he is quite happy being in a Newcastle jersey and he's learning his trade - he has still got a lot of improving to do."

Santon has made 25 appearances for the Magpies this season.