Ayoze Perez is happy at Newcastle United but wants to see the club 'fulfil its potential' and 'fight for bigger things', according to sources close to the player.
The Spaniard is a firm favourite of Rafa Benitez's and has been at the heart of the Magpies' resurgence in recent months following a difficult start to the campaign for both parties.
After finishing last season as Newcastle's top scorer, Perez did not get off the mark this season until November and had to deal with jeers from a section of his own supporters.
Since that winner against Watford, though, Perez has been directly involved in seven goals as Newcastle have dragged themselves towards safety.
Perez's return to form has not gone unnoticed in his homeland and, last week, the former Tenerife star admitted the prospect of moving to La Liga to play for a 'big team' would be 'great for my career' after five years at St James' Park.
However, Benitez is confident is compatriot is not angling for a move and ChronicleLive understands Perez sees Newcastle as a 'sleeping giant' and hopes the club can fulfil its immense potential.
"He is Spanish and he would like to go back to Spain if there were teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid or Valencia interested," a source close to the player told ChronicleLive. "But he did not say he wants to leave - he just wants to improve.
"It does not mean Ayoze is not happy in Newcastle but nowadays it is a club whose only aspiration is to survive. He has been in an incredible place for many years where people live and breathe football in a special way but it is always the same goal and that tires any player with ambition who wants to improve - and not only earn money.
'We talk about the future here': Why Rafa is confident Ayoze Perez is not angling to leave Newcastle
"Ayoze is very grateful to Newcastle but he needs to live other experiences, too. If Newcastle took the step to change and fight, fulfilling its potential, Ayoze would be happy to continue because it's a fantastic place to play.
"Although he has a contract until 2021, it's a matter of fighting for bigger things - not just staying in the Premier League."
