Neil Taylor signs new Swansea City contract

Taylor has won three Wales caps since making his debut in 2010

Swansea defender Neil Taylor has ended speculation about his future by signing a new four-year contract with the Premier League side.

The Wales left-back had been linked with a move to Newcastle United.

"This has been the hardest month of my life," the 22-year-old defender told Swansea's website.

"There has been so much written and said about me that was untrue it really hurt at times."

Newcastle are thought to have offered £1m for Taylor, which they believed triggered a clause allowing them to approach and sign the three-times capped Wales player.

Swansea always disputed that and insisted the clause in Taylor's contract only allowed talks to take place, while also rejecting the Magpies' bid.

Earlier in the week it emerged Taylor had asked the Premier League to arbitrate over a possible move to St James' Park.

"Yes, I was flattered by Newcastle's interest and I spoke to them after Swansea gave me permission," added Taylor.

"I think most players would because they are a massive club and I was interested to see what they had to say.

"The reason I haven't said anything until now is because I had an agreement with the club that nobody would speak to the media until an agreement on a new contract had been reached.

"But if I was desperate to go, I would have pushed for it, but I know I've got everything going for me here at Swansea.

"This is the football club where I want to be and the decision to sign a new contract was quite an easy one to make."

Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers said he was delighted Taylor had signed a new contract and that the player had been eager to stay at the Liberty Stadium.

"For a young player I think this is a great club to be at and he has a manager that wants him here," said Rodgers.

"There's no doubt Neil will go on to be a very good player. He is important to us and will be for Wales also. He loves the club and he is signing to play."

Taylor was a key part of the Swansea side which won promotion to the Premier League in in May, making 32 appearances for Brendan Rodgers' side last season.

However he missed the 4-2 Championship play-off final win over Reading at Wembley after being sent off in the semi-final first leg against Nottingham Forest.

The St Asaph-born player joined Swansea as a free agent in June 2010 after his contract expired with Wrexham, although the Blue Square Bet Premier side did get £150,000 compensation as the player is under 24 years old.