By Joel Lamy
27 May 2011 19:40:00
José Enrique (Getty Images)
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Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew is hopeful Jose Enrique will stay at the club as he announced that the club is preparing to offer him “a fantastic contract.”
Newcastle had a good first season back in the Premier League, finishing in 12th position despite selling striker Andy Carroll to Liverpool in January for £35 million.
And it is the Anfield club who are reported to be most interested in signing Spanish left-back Enrique, who played 36 times for the club in the league last season, whilst impressing many pundits.
However, despite the sale of Carroll and news that Joey Barton could be leaving the club, Pardew is still hopeful that Enrique will stay at St James’ Park.
“We have been waiting to see his Enrique’s representatives, they are due here in the early part of next week,” he told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle.
“We are going to make Jose a very, very good offer and we are hoping he is going to accept it.
“We are realistic about Jose because the ball is in his court on that one, not in ours.
“He will be offered a fantastic contract here, he knows that, but still it is going to be down to his decision. I am still hopeful.”
Pardew also confirmed that young midfielder Shane Ferguson has signed a new contract with the club.
Ferguson, who has played nine times for Newcastle, is still eligible to play for both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland despite representing the former in a friendly match and Pardew believes both countries should be making every effort to persuade the 19-year-old to play for them.
He added: “If I were the two national managers, I would be courting that boy because I think he has got a bright future.”
The player himself described his delight at signing the new deal.
“I’m really happy. I’ve enjoyed this season so much and the new contract has just been the icing on the cake for me,” he said.
“It’s a great thrill to play for the club and the support I have had from the fans since making my debut really means a lot so I’m just delighted to be with Newcastle for the next five years now.”