Steven Taylor to leave Newcastle United after 13 seasons at the club

Newcastle United have announced that defender Steven Taylor will leave the club this summer after 13 seasons with the Magpies.

The 30-year-old's association with the club goes back to 1995 when he joined the North-East outfit's academy.

After making his senior debut in March 2004, Taylor went on to make a further 297 appearances, the last of which was in the season-ending 5-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur last month.

Taylor told the club's official website: "It will be a huge wrench to leave Newcastle but I've been offered exciting opportunities both in the UK and abroad and I'm really looking forward to my next challenge.

"I've loved my time at Newcastle. I'll always be a huge fan of the club and I'll be returning to St James' Park as a supporter whenever I can."

Manager Rafael Benitez added: "Steven has been a very good player for this club for a long time and his character and personality has always been very positive, including during difficult times. I would like to thank Steven for his service and I wish him well for his future."

Managing director Lee Charnley commented: "I have known Steven since he first joined the club as a teenager and during that time his enthusiasm and love for the club has never wavered.

"He has always shown great commitment over the years. He has also been a superb ambassador for the club, representing Newcastle United at countless community and charitable events across the region during his time with us. I wish him all the very best for the future."

Newcastle will play in the Championship next season after they were relegated from the top flight in the final week of the 2015-16 campaign.