Only clause Diame is thinking about this Christmas is in his contract

MIDFIELDER NEEDS TO REACH TARGET TO GET EXTENSION

MOHAMED Diame is desperate to extend his Newcastle United career as his deal enters its final few months.

The former Senegal international’s current contract with the club is due to expire at the end of the season but Diame will earn a new agreement if he reaches a certain amount of appearances this term.

It means the former Senegal international is literally playing for his future and, fortunately for him, he is one of the first names on Rafa Benitez’s teamsheet.

Ex-Hull City and West Ham star Diame has played 91 games for the Magpies since joining the club from the Tigers in

2016. Providing Diame stays fit and in form, Benitez will continue to select the 31-year-old - meaning he could also be around next season.

For Diame, that would be the ideal situation as he hopes to extend his stint on Tyneside and keep the club in the top flight. He told the Chronicle: “It is 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.

“The most important thing is to keep the club in the Premier League.

“I am happy because I am playing and if I am playing and doing well Newcastle will extend my contract.”

Diame put in another steady midfield performance at the John Smith’s Stadium on Saturday to help the Magpies secure three vital points.

He added of beating the Terriers: “It was an important one. Everyone knows this kind of game against another team at the bottom with us is important to earn a result.

“To beat Huddersfield is amazing, I think they played well to be honest.

“They were on top of us but we went home with the three points.”

Newcastle fans helped create a tre-