Harewood wants Magpies return

Harewood: Keen to stay

Aston Villa striker Marlon Harewood is hoping to secure a return to Newcastle United when the transfer window reopens.

Harewood's three-month loan at Newcastle expired after the Boxing Day draw at Sheffield Wednesday and he scored five goals in 15 appearances for the Championship leaders.

He is out of the picture back at Villa, but Magpies boss Chris Hughton has yet to make a decision on whether to re-sign the 30-year-old in the New Year.

Having enjoyed his time at St James' Park, Harewood is keen to rejoin Newcastle and is open to a permanent move to the North East.

Unbelievable

"I don't know what's going to happen, no-one has told me anything yet," said Harewood in The Journal.

"Players don't really get involved in that - you never really know until it actually happens so I'll just have to wait and see now.

"But my time at Newcastle has been unbelievable. I've really enjoyed it, the fans have been great, the lads have been great and I feel I've got better with every game.

"I'd love to come back until the end of the season or longer and finish the job now, but it's up to the gaffer if he wants me and the two clubs to sort it out now.

"But I think if I come back it will be difficult in the second half of the season.

"We wouldn't change where we are in the league for anything, but there is pressure being at the top of the division, you're there to be shot at.

"I think the way we've been playing means that everyone wants us to beat us and that is something that you have to deal with."