The Magpies midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season but he is eager to get the required number of appearances to trigger a new deal.
Mohamed Diame has outlined his desire to remain at Newcastle United beyond the end of his current contract but admits that he must carry on delivering for his club so as to earn a new deal.
The 31-year-old midfielder has been on the Magpies’ books since the summer of 2016 when he joined from Hull City for a transfer fee reported by Chronicle Live to be worth £3.5 million.
Diame is currently the only senior Newcastle player whose contract expires at the end of the 2018/19 campaign (Transfermarkt) but, according to the Chronicle, a new deal will be triggered should he reach a certain amount of matches.
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez has made extensive use of the Senegal international this season, with 17 Premier League appearances under the player’s belt so far for a total of 91 in the black and white stripes.
When asked by the Chronicle about his future at St James’ Park, Diame replied: “It’s very nice for me at Newcastle and I am happy here. Everyone knows I am near the end of my contract. But I am really happy and I hope to stay more years here.
“The situation is weird because I have an option. Right now as we speak, I will be out of contract… I’m happy because I am playing and if I am playing and doing well, Newcastle will extend my contract.”
During the 2017/18 campaign, Diame – who earns £45,000 per week, the joint second highest at the club, according to Spotrac – made 23 starts and eight substitute appearances in the Premier League for Newcastle, scoring two goals in the process, according to Whoscored.
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