Ayoze Perez "confident" of Newcastle United survival

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 02 February 2016

Newcastle United forward Ayoze Perez says that he is "confident" the club will stay in the Premier League following their mid-season transfer business.

Newcastle United forward Ayoze Perez has revealed that he is "confident" of the club's Premier League survival following their activity in the mid-season transfer window.

The Magpies sit two points from safety in the relegation zone but were one of the biggest spenders last month as they brought in the likes of Andros Townsend, Jonjo Shelvey, Henri Saivet and Seydou Doumbia to assist in their survival campaign.

Perez was also involved in the side's deadline-day activity as he penned a new five-and-a-half year contract to remain in the North-East, and the Spaniard thinks that the club have now made the right moves ahead of the run-in.

"The club is trying. They have spent a lot of money," he told reporters. "Already we can see that in training — improved quality, and different qualities to what we had. We are trying and we are going the right way. The new signings have impressed everyone. They make the team more competitive. You have to fight for your position. Good players. It is going to be interesting.

"I am now even more confident Newcastle will get safe. We have a bigger squad. We have to start now to get results and week by week work up the league. We have competition for our positions and that is good for the club.

"I am still young. I have to work a lot and I have a lot of years to improve as a player. I am happy here and I don't have to think of anything else. Newcastle gave me everything. They made me professional and I have to be pleased with the club. They signed me until 2021 - five years! They trust in me in this deal. So I say, 'Thanks' and now work harder and prove, and show on the pitch that I deserve it."

Newcastle could move out of the relegation zone tomorrow night if they defeat Everton at Goodison Park.