Want the top news headlines sent to your inbox daily? Sign up to our FREE newsletter below Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

SHOLA AMEOBI today signed a deal that should see him finish his career at St James’ Park.

The long-serving striker – who made his debut in 2000 in the 0-0 draw with Chelsea – has signed a two-year extension to his current deal which will keep him at St James’ until 2014.

The 29-year-old, famous for his goals against derby rivals Sunderland, has 71 goals for the club, and is regarded as an influential character in the dressing room at United due to his long affiliation with the Magpies.

Ameobi said today: "All I've ever wanted is to play for Newcastle United and it is a really happy day for me.

"Newcastle is, and always will be, my club and I'm looking forward immensely to the next three years, beginning this Saturday with the new season opener against Arsenal.

"I would also like to thank the board and the manager for their continued support, which is very much appreciated."

Ameobi made his Magpies debut in September 2000 against Chelsea at St. James' Park and has since racked up more than 300 games on Tyneside, scoring 70 goals and placing him 19th in the Club's all-time scoring charts.

And Alan Pardew has been keen to tie him down with a new deal.

He said: "We are delighted to have confirmed Shola's new contract.

"He has done a terrific job for me since I've been at the club and he is also a great character to have around the place. It is important to have continuity, and keeping Shola on board helps us achieve that aim.

"It is also great for the club that his younger brother Sammy is developing well and we hope he can go on to have a successful career at Newcastle."

Pardew made the striker captain for the recent friendly with Leeds United and has been impressed with Ameobi’s input behind the scenes.

However, Pardew is still working around the clock to bring in a new striker while interest in PSV Eindhoven and Holland left-back Erik Pieters is understood to be strong from the Magpies.

Yet the arrival of Pieters may depend on Jose Enrique’s departure from Tyneside.

Pardew is not thought to be interested in Norwich City’s Grant Holt and interest in Middlesbrough’s young left-back Joe Bennett is believed to have cooled down.

But interest in Pieters was revealed when Tim Krul, while on Holland duty, told the Dutch Press: “We are interested. The coach himself and the assistants have already seen a few matches of PSV and the question now is whether the clubs can work it out.

“Our current left-back Enrique has a contract that expires, however, he won’t sign and is interesting many clubs.

“Erik is my friend since we played together at the World Championships in Peru in 2005.

“From then we have always kept in touch, regularly send text messages and if possible we get together.”

Meanwhile, United youngster Michael Richardson – on loan at Leyton Orient – scored for the Os as they drew 1-1 with Southend in the Carling Cup last night, before winning through on penalties.