Luuk de Jong eager to earn permanent Newcastle United move

Newcastle United loanee Luuk de Jong is hoping to impress between now and the end of the season in order to earn a long-term contract at St James' Park.

The Dutch international striker joined the Magpies from German outfit Borussia Monchengladbach in January, on a deal until the end of the season.

He has yet to score in his five appearances, but the 23-year-old is confident of soon opening his Newcastle account and already feels comfortable on Tyneside, where he hopes to be for years to come.

"Of course, that is what I want," he told Sky Sports News. "I want to show myself in the Premier League and Newcastle is a fantastic club, and it would be great for me to sign a long contract here.

"I really like it here, everyone is really helping me - when I came in, I knew a few players like Tim [Krul], Vernon [Anita] and Cheick Tiote from FC Twente - so it is nice they are here too.

"It is always getting closer, I want to score goals like every player. Against Hull I think I did a good job behind Loic Remy, and helping out he midfield as well. it was a good game for me but of course you want to score goals and be important for the team but when you work hard and win a game, I am happy as well."

In the absence of Remy, De Jong could lead the Newcastle line when they travel to Fulham on Saturday, with the Frenchman injured for the first of manager Alan Pardew's seven-match suspension.