Defoe sticks with Eagles as Gause moves on

Newcastle have re-signed another of their quadruple winning team – Darius Defoe.

Defoe, 27, turned down offers from Europe to stay in the north east and help the Eagles defend the four trophies they won last season.

Club owner Paul Blake said: “Darius has been a huge part of our success recently and he’s really responded to the challenges that we’ve set him.

“He had interest from Europe this season because he has improved as a player and that obviously made the job of trying to retain him that bit harder. But he is with us next season and that is great news.”

Defoe follows the likes of Charles Smith and Joe Chapman in re-signing for the Eagles, although one player who won’t be returning is Paul Gause, who has signed a deal to play in Slovakia.