Newcastle captain Steven Taylor has admitted that he found speculation linking him with a move away from the club in the summer transfer window unsettling.

Habib Beye, Sebastien Bassong, Obafemi Martins and Damien Duff were all part of the close season exodus at St James' Park, but Taylor has revealed the thought of leaving the club he supported as a boy left him "in pieces".

"I'm happy. I'm playing my football here, and I've got a smile on my face," he told the Newcastle Chronicle.

"My friends and family are up here, and I'm enjoying my football."

Taylor is determined to play his part in ensuring the Magpies achieve a immediate return to the top flight.

"I honestly believe we'll get back up as champions," he added. "I was in the team that got us relegated - and I want to be in the team that gets us back up."