Newcastle frustrated over Enrique

Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has revealed his concerns over the future of defender Jose Enrique, who is yet to sign a new contract.

The 25-year-old has one season left on his current deal and has been the subject of reported interest from Premier League and European clubs.

Pardew told the Evening Chronicle: "At the moment, it looks like he doesn't want to deal with us.

"We've been asked to make an offer but there has been no progress since then."

Having secured the club's Premier League status in May, the Magpies boss made it a top priority to keep hold of Enrique and influential midfielders such as Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton.

With skipper Nolan rejecting the offer currently on the table and Barton not having his contract renewed, Pardew's playing staff for next season appears to be very uncertain.

Pardew, who has already expressed his desire to retain Enrique, a £6.3m signing from Villarreal in August 2007, added: "I still hope we can do something but at the moment, we are still waiting for Jose."

At the start of May, Enrique insisted he was happy to continue as a Newcastle player.

However, the former Spain U21 full-back added: "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."

Enrique was one of the players who, like Nolan, Barton and Fabricio Coloccini, opted to remain with the club despite relegation in 2009, while Obafemi Martins, Damien Duff and Michael Owen were among the players to move on.

It is not all bad news for Pardew, who recently acquired Lille midfielder Yohan Cabaye and is hopeful of signing Swansea left-back Neil Taylor.

Pardew said: "Things are definitely moving on now and we expect to be busier between now and the start of the season. We are working very hard on one or two players and we hope to announce something soon."

Source: BBC Sport

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