Griffiths says he is enjoying life with high-flying Guoan in the Chinese Super League with the player hitting the back of the net.

Newcastle insist it is for the clubs to decide the player's future with the Chinese club having an option to buy when the current loan deal is about to run out.

But Griffiths himself doesn't seem in any hurry to head back to Australia with van Egmond's exit another potential factor pointing to an extended stay in Beijing.

Griffiths told the Newcastle Herald: "Dutchy leaving was a big surprise, and it has left a big question mark on whether I will be back at the club or not.

"One of the main reasons I signed on as the marquee was because Gary was there in the first place."

Newcastle will step up preparations for the new A-League season when they face Sydney FC at Port Macquarie on Sunday.