Shola Ameobi: Nigerian striker likely to leave Newcastle United in the summer

The 32-year-old's current contract with the Premier League club runs out in the summer, and there are no signs that he will be given a new deal.

The Nigeria international has been at Newcastle his entire professional career and concedes that departing St James' Park will be hard for him.

"After the summer, my future is unclear," he told the Shields Gazette.

"Basically, I'll do what I've always done. Like I've always said, I've never taken it (playing for Newcastle) for granted. Every time I step on that pitch, I relish it.

"When it does finally end, it'll be a sad moment, but at the moment my focus is trying to help this club.

"That's what I've always tried to do, and that will never change."

Ameobi's last Magpies start came in the 3-0 home defeat by rivals Sunderland on February 1, and his younger brother Sammy has been selected ahead of him in their last two defeats by Chelsea and Tottenham.

Newcastle return to action on Sunday when they play host to Aston Villa at St James' Park.