Jose Enrique remains quiet over his Newcastle future but insists he is happy at St James’ Park

José Enrique (Getty Images)

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Defender Jose Enrique has remained tight-lipped over his future at Newcastle United, although he insists he is happy at the Tyneside club.

The 25-year-old will consider his next move at the end of the current campaign, after rumours emerged linking the left-back with a summer move away from St James’ Park.

The Spaniard, whose current contract runs out at the end of next season, said he remains focused on playing for the club despite the reported interest from other Premier League and European sides.

“I’m just concentrating on playing for Newcastle,” Enrique told BBC Late Kick Off.

“We haven’t spoken about contracts yet – I don’t want to say more about that.

“I’m happy with that and I’m very happy here. I know there are a few difficult things at Newcastle, but we the players don’t have to think about that.

“If I have to continue here at Newcastle, I’m happy. If I have to go to another club, I’m happy in England. If I have to go to another league, I’m happy.

“I just want to play football – it’s my life and it’s best for me.”

The Magpies’ boss Alan Pardew is keen to hold onto his first choice left-back, who was an integral part of the United side that won promotion back to the Premier League last season at the first time of asking.

The former Spanish Under-21 international was one of few star players, including Kevin Nolan, Joey Barton and Fabricio Coloccini, who remained at Newcastle despite their relegation from the top flight in 2009.

After a summer transfer window exodus last year, which saw Obafemi Martins, Damien Duff and Michael Owen all choosing to make the move away from St James’ Park, Newcastle rebuilt their squad with mostly Championship players.

But Enrique does not see this as a problem and is full of praise for Mike Williamson and James Perch, who have made the step up from Championship to Premier League football, with the Magpies are all but virtually guaranteed Premier League status next season.

“This team has fight,” said Enrique. “It’s hard for players like me, Jonas Gutierrez, Joey Barton and Kevin Nolan – we’ve played with big names before.

“But a lot has changed. Before, we had players like Mark Viduka, and now we have players like Williamson and Perch – players who have played in the Championship and they fight to play in the Premier League.

“We’re doing well, we had Michael Owen and players like that and we were relegated, but with this team we will stay in the division.”