Newcastle manager Chris Hughton believes Andy Carroll’s new contract proves the extent of the club’s ambition.
The 21-year-old forward, who has four Premier League goals to his name this season, put pen-to-paper on a new five-year contract on Saturday.
And Hughton told the Evening Chronicle: “It’s not a surprise that he has signed because all along we wanted him to and he wanted to re-sign for us.
“But this is still terrific news for the football club and for Andy himself because it clears up any sort of speculation that there has been surrounding him.
“It’s tied down and secured and hopefully now there will be an end to the talk of him leaving.
“Somebody of his ability will always attract interest. He’s English of course, as well, which increases his profile even more.
“I know that there has been significant interest in him, but in my opinion he is in the best place for him. I always thought he was better staying here, where he feels comfortable.
“It says a lot about the intentions of our football club as well. We are not a selling club – our intention is to progress and move forward over the next few years.
“In order to get back to that level you need to keep players of Andy’s calibre, which is why we’re delighted that he is staying here.”