Vurnon Anita backs Luuk de Jong to earn permanent deal

Vurnon Anita has claimed that Newcastle United would benefit from agreeing a permanent deal for Luuk de Jong in the summer.

De Jong has failed to open his account for the club since joining on loan from Borussia Monchengladbach, but Anita believes that his teammate will find his best form if he continues to be given opportunities by manager Alan Pardew.

"Luuk wants to stay here beyond the end of the season and I hope that happens because he is a very good player," the Dutch midfielder told reporters.

"Unfortunately, chances haven't really fallen for him so far but I'm sure they will in the weeks ahead and he will take them.

"Since he came in January, Luuk has been doing everything he can to prove himself at Newcastle and I believe it would be good for everybody if he signs for us."

De Jong is likely to be involved when Newcastle face Southampton on Saturday afternoon.