Shola Ameobi has signed a new five-year contract with Newcastle United which will keep him at St James' Park until 2008-9.
 That the news the Chronicle can reveal tonight - and it's bad news for several other Premiership teams who have been casting their eyes in the direction of the 22-year-old striker. But the new improved deal shows just how much faith United have in their England Under-21 international. Indeed, Ameobi told me today: "It's absolutely brilliant for me to get a deal like this. It's a dream come true not only for me but for my whole family. "And the fact that Newcastle United obviously want to keep me for such a long time is a massive boost for me. "Now that all this is out of the way I can concentrate on playing and winning a regular place in the team on merit. "I know that Alan Shearer is retiring at the end of next season and that there will be a place to fill there - but my aim is to win a place of my own." United chairman Freddy Shepherd loves nothing more than to see Geordies do well for the club and although he was born in Nigeria, Ameobi still falls into this category since he was brought up on Tyneside. The United chairman said: "We have more than high hopes for Shola. He has come on leaps and bounds every season and last season was no exception. "In fact, you need look no further than our last game of the season and the way he scored our goal against Liverpool at Anfield to see how much progress he has made." Ameobi is pictured with United chief operating officer Russell Cushing and former Newcastle midfielder Paul Gascoigne. Cushing also signed Gazza back in the mid 1980's and the former England international says: "I am a big fan of Ameobi and it's great for both him and the club that he signed such a long contract. "But I must admit I am also a bit envious as I wish it was me and I was starting all over again. It must be fantastic playing for Newcastle these days in such a stadium." Ameobi, who has just returned from holiday in America, added: "I want to do well for both my club and country. Watching England play in the Euro 2004 finals in Portugal has made me more determined to be with them by the time the World Cup comes round in two years time." | 
