Martin Dubravka has declared that he wants to sign for Newcastle United on a permanent deal following his successful loan spell.

The Slovakia international played a key part in the Magpies' climb from relegation danger to top-half safety in his four months at St James' Park.

Dubravka's short-term deal has now expired, though, and he remains contracted to Czech side Sparta Prague.

Reports suggest that Newcastle will need to pay £4m to sign Dubravka permanently, and the 29-year-old is interested in playing for the club's "special" fans for a while longer yet.

"Hopefully I am staying here," he told Chronicle Live. "We'll see how everything goes. There is a connection [with the supporters]. There is a connection between the players and the fans here.

"That is why it is an amazing place. Newcastle United is a very special club."

Dubravka kept four clean sheets in his 12 games for Newcastle, with the Magpies winning exactly half of those.