Leon Best knows he's fighting for his career at Newcastle United.
Best says fans have publicly backed him after the Republic of Ireland striker was made available for transfer - and fans on social networking sight Twitter have also used the hashtag #savebesty.
The striker told the Evening Chronicle: "When I'm out with my missus, or at the MetroCentre, the feedback I get off the fans is that they don't want me to go - they want me to stay and that I deserve another chance.
"It's a matter of keeping fit and injury-free, and fighting for my place."
With United so far failing to come up trumps in their striker search, Best is sensing an opportunity in the States.
He said: "I've been in this position time and time again. I've got to look back at last season for confidence.
"I think people know I can do it in the Premier League now, and it's about fighting for my position.
"There's a new striker in who I already get on very well with, and I'd be delighted to play alongside him, or fight him for a place.
"Competition for places brings the best out of a team - I've always believed that."
