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Steve McClaren has stated that he is prepared to “carry on” with Fabricio Coloccini as captain this season.

There has been plenty talk of Coloccini being offloaded to Crystal Palace but it looks like Alan Pardew’s hopes of signing the Argentinian look as good as over.

McClaren, speaking to BBC Newcastle in a phone-in with Simon Pryde, said: “His choice is Newcastle United and he wants to stay here.

“I am absolutely delighted with that.

“Do I need to change captain?

“Why do I need to and unsettle everybody. He carries on.”

And discussing the speculation, McClaren added: “Coloccini has always been the captain, for seven years, our most experienced player.

“What’s disrupted Colo has been the speculation about Crystal Palace.

“I have just said let’s work with each other for two or three weeks to see if I like you and you like me and we get on.

“We have done despite him not playing.

“We have had long, long talks.

“With all the talk about Crystal Palace, he’s looking after his own future, but from my understanding he wants to be here.

“He’s always said that from day one.”