AFTER the uncertainty surrounding his future in last summer’s transfer window, Matt Ritchie wants to avoid a repeat by extending his contract at Newcastle United.

The winger has just finished an impressive third season on Tyneside when he has proven his worth as a wing-back to help the Magpies stay up.

Despite having two years remaining on his deal, Ritchie knows this is a big summer for him and the club in terms of how long he stays at St James’ Park.

This would probably be the close-season when Newcastle would look to sell the 29-year-old before his value drops in a year’s time when he enters the final 12 months of his contract.

Newcastle would listen to offers for him unless he can reach an agreement over an extension to the terms he signed when he moved from Bournemouth for £12m.

That is why Ritchie wants to get things sorted, knowing how Stoke City made strong moves for him last summer when he eventually stayed put because there was no replacement lined up.

He said: “There are discussions at the moment, hopefully we can get them resolved. This is a massive football club, I’m really enjoying playing for so until I’m told my services are no longer required, I’m fighting for my life as I do every week to perform.

“Who knows what the future holds but until I’m told my services are no longer required, I’ll do everything for the football club.”

Asked if he wanted a new contract, he replied: “Yeah of course.”

Newcastle have seen how useful he is to the team again this season when he has held down a first team shirt after being asked to play wing-back.

His set-pieces created two of the goals at Fulham on the final day of the season and those helped to finish with eight assists, plus his two goals, in the Premier League.

He played in 36 of the 38 league games and Rafa Benitez has spoken highly of him, knowing how committed he has been in his performances to guiding Newcastle to safety.

Ritchie said: “I don’t know about it being my best season for the club. Don’t get me wrong I’ve been very pleased with the way I’ve adapted to the new regime. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it and learned a lot but you can’t say it is my best season.

“The Championship was a different season, we were expected to win. I’ve been pleased with all three seasons. There is always room for improvement and I want to strive for more and improve in areas of my game. I still want more.”

Newcastle’s first departure of the summer has been confirmed. Promising winger Callum Roberts is leaving at the end of his contract.

Roberts Tweeted: “Would like to thank everyone associated with @NUFC for my time at the club. From progressing through every age group to playing and scoring in the first team (they are) things I will never forget. I would also like to thank all the coaching staff and players I’ve played with for making me the player and person I am today. When one door closes another always opens and I’m already looking forward to the future.”

Roberts could be set for the unexpected move to Greece where he would join Panathinaikos and former Newcastle defender Nikos Dabizas is director of football.