Freddie Woodman admits he is in an "awkward" position going into the final year of his Newcastle United contract.
The England Under-21 goalkeeper is being tracked by Arsenal and was left frustrated last term after being denied a loan deal by the Magpies.
Woodman goes into the new season up against Martin Dubravka, Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot but is desperate to get first team football.
Speaking from China on the club's pre-season tour, Woodman said: "It’s difficult for me to say.
"I’ve got a year left on my contract. It’s an awkward situation.
"I just want to keep getting games and minutes and learn as much as I can."
Woodman did play in three FA Cup matches last season but is determined to gain more experience.
He added: "I’ve just got to see what happens in pre-season.
"For me, I'm just working hard and training as hard as I can. I just keep improving.
"I feel like I’m working really well with Simon Smith."
With Newcastle now into their third day in China, Woodman says the trip has gone well so far.
He said: "It’s been a tough few days with the heat, but we’re training well and really looking forward to the game.
"I feel everyone’s reacted as I knew everyone would. We’ve just got on with things.
"Ben and Neil are leading the training sessions, and I’m enjoying working under them. It’s been really good from all the lads.
"The standard as been really high."
When asked if there were any distractions caused by the uncertainty back on Tyneside, Woodman said: "Over in China you don’t get Google and Twitter and Instagram.
"It’s been easy for me. It’s just one of those things. In football, you’ve just got to get on with it and focus on training.
Woodman can leave at the end of this season as he is out of contract, but Newcastle would be owed compensation after coaching the goalkeeper since he was 14.
