Nick Macleod is ready to commit to the Sharks © Getty Images

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News: Macleod wants winning finish

Players/Officials: Steve Diamond | Nick Macleod

Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership

Teams: England | Sale Sharks

Sale Sharks fly-half Nick Macleod is on the verge of agreeing a new contract at Edgeley Park, according to reports.

The 28-year-old arrived at Sale back in 2008 and has seemlessly stepped into the void left by Charlie Hodgson, who departed to join Aviva Premiership champions Saracens in the summer. But with MacLeod- who can also play at fullback - keeping the scoreboard ticking over, Sale boss Steve Diamond has moved quickly to tie down his man.

And Macleod is looking forward to being part of Diamond's revolution at the Sharks. "I have got huge admiration for what Dimes has been able to do in such a space of time from the way he has put the squad together, to the backroom staff, right down to the improved facilities," Macleod told the Manchester Evening News. "It's an amazing thing to have done in such a short space of time.

"We have all bought into what Steve is trying to achieve but ultimately it's Dimes himself who has put everything in place. It's Steve who has been the driving force - and he really does drive it on a day-to- day basis.

"He lets everyone know what he expects of them and a huge amount of credit should go to him as he's the one who has turned it around And I know that things are only going to get better here. I'm loving my rugby, it's a great place to be and a great bunch of lads to be around so, hopefully, I'll be able to stay.

"That first year I arrived here, back in 2008, it really was an exceptional squad with world- class players running right throughout it. Then, for the past couple of years it was fairly turbulent.

"Last year, especially, an awful lot went on, what with the turnover of players and coaching staff but I think there is a real feeling about the place now. There is a settled squad and, hopefully, we can keep that together for four or five years. When Dimes mentions his long-term plans, he is talking about the next five years and, hopefully, we are all going to be in it together.

"It's an amazing bunch of lads there are no egos - everybody is on the same plane. The Jets boys and the Academy lads get on just as well with the international players and that's what you need to be a really successful unit. There is a real sense of unity here at the club and I think its important to keep that together."

And ahead of their clash with the Newcastle Falcons on Boxing Day, Macleod is hoping they can get one over the league's basement side. "If we can get a win against Newcastle it would be the perfect way to end the year for us," added Macleod. "The game against Exeter, where we threw away a 20-point lead, was a real disappointment for everyone but maybe it was also a blessing in disguise.

"Everybody really focused and worked extra hard in the fall-out from it and we have managed to turn things around by playing some good rugby and, with three wins on the bounce, it's looking promising. As a squad, we are all getting to know each other on and off the field and building those relationships, getting used to how each other plays and heading in the right direction.

"There are no easy games and Newcastle will be very tough to overcome but, if we can do win, it will put us in a superb position going into the New Year. We know what a big game it is and we will be doing everything in our power to get the right result."