STEVEN TAYLOR has played his last game for Newcastle United.

The Magpies and Taylor have agreed that the centre-back will leave when his contract expires at the end of this month.

The 30-year-old, who made his 268th and final appearance in the 5-1 win over Tottenham on the final day of the season, leaves St James' Park after 13 seasons on Tyneside.

Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez said: "Steven has been a very good player for this club for a long time and his character and personality has always been very positive, including during difficult times. I would like to thank Steven for his service and I wish him well for his future."

It is understood Taylor was offered a new short-term deal on significantly reduced terms and heavily incentivised after an awful couple of years with injuries. But he has decided to move on and is looking for a fresh start.

He said: "It'll be a huge wrench to leave Newcastle but I've been offered exciting opportunities both in the UK and abroad and I'm really looking forward to my next challenge.

"I've loved my time at Newcastle. I'll always be a huge fan of the club and I'll be returning to St James' Park as a supporter whenever I can."

Newcastle's managing director Lee Charnley said: "I have known Steven since he first joined the club as a teenager and during that time his enthusiasm and love for the club has never wavered.

"He has always shown great commitment over the years. He has also been a superb ambassador for the club, representing Newcastle United at countless community and charitable events across the region during his time with us. I wish him all the very best for the future."

Taylor earned a scholarship with the Newcastle academy in July 2002 and signed his first professional contract with the club, aged 17, in July 2003.

He made his first team debut in March 2004 against Real Mallorca in the UEFA Cup and followed that up by making his first appearance in the Premier League three days later at Bolton Wanderers.

Taylor won England caps from Under-16 level right through to England 'B' level, representing his country on no less than 58 occasions, many as captain, and scoring seven goals.

He was called up to the full England squad for the first time for the friendly against Germany on August 22, 2007.

Taylor has followed Gabriel Obertan and Sylvain Marveaux out of St James, while skipper Fabricio Coloccini could be next if a deal can be struck with San Lorenzo.

Newcastle have extended the contract of 21-year-old defender Kevin Mbabu for a further two years after taking advantage of an option.

Swiss defender Mbabu, who joined the Magpies from Servette in January 2013, made his debut against Sheffield Wednesday in the Capital One Cup in September.

His Premier League debut followed and he was outstanding in a 2-2 draw against Chelsea. He went on to make three further appearances before injury cut his campaign short.

Newcastle have agreed new professional contracts with Macaulay Gillesphey, Liam Smith and Tom Heardman. Professional deals have also been offered to teenagers Stefan Broccoli, Kyle Cameron, Liam Gibson, Brendan Pearson and Callum Williams.

Academy players Luke Charman, Jamie Holmes, Jack Hunter, Sean Longstaff, Michael Newberry, Ben Smith, Dan Ward and Paul Woolston have been given extended scholarships.

Leaving Newcastle alongside long-serving defender Taylor and the other first team departures are younger players Jamie Cobain, Louis Johnson, Adam Laidler, Ben Pollock, Lewis Suddick and Jake Trodd.

Pollock has agreed to sign for League Two side Hartlepool United.