Souness insists Bowyer is welcome

Blues fans scupper Bowyer move Bowyer linked with Charlton

Newcastle boss Graeme Souness insists he is delighted that midfielder Lee Bowyer wants to stay at St James' Park.

The 28-year-old was expected to leave in the summer following the infamous on-pitch bust-up with Kieron Dyer at the end of last season.

But Bowyer says he does not want to go and a statement from chairman Freddie Shepherd and Souness welcomed the news.

"What happened is in the past. Lee remains one of the most popular lads in the dressing room," the statement read.

"Lee is a fantasic player. He has always given 110% commitment for the club."

Bowyer's Newcastle days appeared to be numbered, with Souness hoping to bring in a number of new faces during the summer.

A move to Birmingham was scuppered after fans protested about the signing and Charlton and Aston Villa were also linked with the former England international.

But the Magpies have struggled to land their targets and have seen more players leave than arrive.

Scott Parker and Turkey international Emre have bolstered the midfield but Laurent Robert and strikers Patrick Kluivert and Craig Bellamy have all left, leaving Souness with a smaller squad than he was hoping to have for the new season.