• Premier League

Enrique stalls on Newcastle contract talks

ESPN staff
February 15, 2011
Jose Enrique is attracting admiring glances thanks to his impressive form © PA Photos
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Jose Enrique has informed Newcastle that he will not enter into contract talks until the club's future in the Premier League is secure.

Enrique has a little over 12 months remaining on his contract and his situation has alerted a number of high-profile teams. Enrique had a tough first season on Tyneside, not helped by the club's relegation, but he has flourished in the past year and is now seen as one of the brightest full backs in the Premier League.

His excellent defending, attacking nous and whole-hearted commitment have seen him talked about as a possible future Spain international. There are suggestions that Enrique may have to move away from St James' Park to fulfil that dream, but Pardew is convinced Newcastle are the best club for his development.

"He's made it quite clear to us through his representatives that until we're safe he doesn't want to open any discussions and we're comfortable with that, it makes sense for us," Pardew said.

"There's nothing I can do about it, nor can the club. He wants to open discussions when we're safe and until we're safe we can't. You have to understand that.

"I think he's happy here he enjoys his football here and I certainly enjoy watching him and working with him, he's a nice lad and a good guy.

"Knowing Jose, it'd be a big ambition of his to get in that squad and in that Spain team. For their national side he's in a great place in terms of profile this is a big club and I don't see any reason why he can't get in the squad from this position."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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