Jose Enrique will not discuss a new contract with Newcastle United until their Premier League status is secured.
The 25-year-old full-back, who has been a key performer for the Magpies this season, is in the final 18 months of his current deal with the North East outfit.
And while eager to tie up Enrique to a new long-term contract, manager Alan Pardew admits it makes sense that the Spaniard would want to wait until Toon are officially safe from the drop.
Pardew said: “Jose's situation is simple. He's made it clear that he won't talk to us until we're safe.
“What are we now, 32 points? Well we're not safe are we?
“So that makes the situation clear, and to be honest, it makes a lot of sense for both him and us.”
He added: “(Jose) is an outstanding player and we know that.
“He is an important player for this team because a lot of our play goes through him. He is involved in a lot of the good stuff that we do."