That means a potential role for the striker in the Jets academy when that structure is in place – something the Jets say they are committed to developing.

Earlier this week, Griffiths expressed disappointment at only being offered a two-year deal by the club and is thought to want double that – this with a year on his current deal still to run.

Constantine has said that is something he is prepared to discuss with Griffiths but will do so when the player returns from his loan spell in Japan.

He told the Newcastle Herald: “It is no secret that I want Joel to stay in Newcastle. He has been a very good player for the club and has done so much for the club. We want to take that forward.

“I want to build a football academy, and Joel could have a role in that once he has finished playing.

“That can only be done once I sit down with Joel face to face. Is he only interested in staying in Newcastle for the three or four years of his football career, or does he want to go further and be part of an academy?”

The Jets have said that Griffiths could replace Mario Jardel as the club’s marquee player, something van Egmond told au.fourfourtwo.com earlier this week.

Constantine said: “Until I sit down with Joel it is very hard to say which way we are going to go.

“Joel has done the right thing by the club. The four of us myself, Gary van Egmond, Remo Nogarotto and Joel have to sit around the table, go through the motions, and work out what we are going to do next."

Constantine said the academy was part of a five-year plan. He said: “The academy is a major step forward. Three years ago I put a plan in place to win the grand final and we delivered. It gets harder as we go.

“The people who are around me and advising are telling me an academy is the way to go. We want to do something special. I want to see a situation where our academy will be so good that people from all over Australia will want to attend.”

He has already met with the University of Newcastle and hopes to put in place learning programs to coincide with the academy.

“What happens when our players finish in the A-League, say, after three years?" Constantine said. They don't know what to do next.

"I want to be in a position where we can say while you are in Newcastle there will be a program in place with the university where you can learn something. Then when you do finish football, they have something to look forward to."

He also said he was in negotiations with a couple of overseas clubs about playing a pre-season friendly against the Jets at EnergyAustralia Stadium.