Danny Rose has had something of a strange season.
Fresh from playing a key role in Tottenham Hotspur’s run to the Champions League final – his nutmeg on Matthijs De Ligt in the semi-final against Ajax led to Lucas Moura’s first goal and the start of an astonishing comeback – he did not enjoy the best start to the campaign.
Working under Mauricio Pochettino, he played in all bar one of the club’s first 10 games, but then a suspension led to him being left out of the squad against Sheffield United, in the Argentine’s final game in charge.
Jose Mourinho’s appointment saw him play a further 100 minutes across three games and he was then shipped out on loan to Newcastle United.
Since joining Steve Bruce’s side, he has been important, making six starts on the bounce prior to a benching against AFC Bournemouth.
He did not start Sunday’s clash with West Ham United, either.
But, nevertheless, he has now confirmed that he would like to stay at Newcastle, and has essentially confirmed that his Spurs career is over.
Speaking in Sunday’s matchday programme, as quoted by Chronicle Live, he said: “First and foremost, I’m playing for my future.
"I don’t think I need a bigger motivation than that. I’ve settled in very well, I love the lads and members of staff, and the fans.
"I’m currently staying in a hotel and, honestly, you wouldn’t believe the things that I have to say about how the hotel have treated me throughout all of this.
"The lengths that they’ve gone to, honestly – it’s been very surreal how nice people have been. They’ve tried everything to make sure my stay has been as smooth as possible. For me, I’d love to play for Newcastle for longer than what’s on my contract.
"It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out that my days possibly are numbered at Spurs, and I’m playing for my future.
"There’s no bigger motivation for me. It’s probably the first time in my career where I’ve been in this situation – never have I been down to less than one year on my contract – so it’s a new experience for me."
GIVEMESPORT’S Harry Sherlock says…
Spurs will surely welcome this.
Rose is clearly not a part of Mourinho’s plans and he could be one of the first out the door in the summer window.
The question, though, lies in the numbers.
Will Newcastle be able to afford him?
His contract at Spurs expires at the end of next season but Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is known as a remarkably tough negotiator. He will want to get the best deal possible.
Rose is valued at £14.4 million by Transfermarkt and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Levy wanted to receive that in full.
Amid the chaos caused in the market by the COVID-19 pandemic, that may be too steep a hill for the Magpies to climb.