Newcastle Jets coach Gary van Egmond says he is keen to sign defender Ljubo Milicevic on a long-term deal once the Asian Champions League is over.

The former FC Thun and Melbourne Victory man has been in inspired form for the Jets in Asia, helping them to the brink of qualification for the round of 16.

"Ljubo has been very effective for us and the club will look at the (contract) situation once the ACL has finished," said van Egmond.

"Hopefully we have a situation where both parties realise that one has benefited the other.

"Ljubo wants to win and he wants things to be done in the best way they can be," he added.

"That means in the game and also in training.

"He doesn't see any excuses for half-heartedness or people going through the motions. He hates losing and although the way he goes about getting his message across might occasionally see him taken the wrong way, he just wants to win.

"You want people to have passion and that desire to do things well."