Jose Enrique Newcastle talks must wait - Alan Pardew

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Pardew tips Enrique for Spain call-up

Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew says the club must secure Premier League safety before discussing a new deal with defender Jose Enrique.

The former Spain Under-21 international has impressed in his 25 appearances for the Magpies this season and is out of contract in the summer.

"Jose wants to speak to us when we're safe, and we're not safe yet," Pardew told BBC Newcastle.

"So the sooner we get safe, the sooner we can talk to him."

Enrique, who joined the club from Villareal for £6.3m in August 2007, was a key part of the club's Championship-winning side last term and has established himself as a regular in the Newcastle first team.

The latest impressive display from the Valencia-born full-back came in Saturday's goalless draw at Blackburn, a result which ensured Newcastle stayed in the top half of the Premier League.

"His performance was outstanding, some of the things he was doing and his energy levels, to keep bombing forward like he does," Pardew continued.

"He is fortunate that we give him licence to do what he does, but you've still got to have the quality to produce."