EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle Jets boss Gary van Egmond is keen to tie down several members of his squad on new deals sooner rather than later.
Joel Griffiths has hogged most of the headlines in terms of contract issues but van Egmond isn't about to take his eye off the ball when it comes to other members of his squad who want to discuss the future.
The Jets boss remains confident that Griffiths can be persuaded to stay at EnergyAustralia Stadium and hopes he won't be the only one who sees their future with the club.
Van Egmond told au.fourfourtwo.com: "We want Joel to stay, of course we do. I think he enjoys playing for this football club and he enjoys living in Newcastle.
"Hopefully we can reach agreement but then there are others here at the club we need to look at.
"Adam Griffiths' deal runs out (at the end of the season) and we would like to keep him.
"Kaz Patafta's deal is only a year at this stage and then there is Ante Covic and Jobe Wheelhouse, so those boys we need to look at."
One of the club's new faces, Jesper Hakansson, is expected to feature for the first time when Newcastle travel to Melbourne Victory on Friday night, having recovered from injury.
The Jets boss remains confident that Griffiths can be persuaded to stay at EnergyAustralia Stadium and hopes he won't be the only one who sees their future with the club.
Van Egmond told au.fourfourtwo.com: "We want Joel to stay, of course we do. I think he enjoys playing for this football club and he enjoys living in Newcastle.
"Hopefully we can reach agreement but then there are others here at the club we need to look at.
"Adam Griffiths' deal runs out (at the end of the season) and we would like to keep him.
"Kaz Patafta's deal is only a year at this stage and then there is Ante Covic and Jobe Wheelhouse, so those boys we need to look at."
One of the club's new faces, Jesper Hakansson, is expected to feature for the first time when Newcastle travel to Melbourne Victory on Friday night, having recovered from injury.
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