The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to St James' Park in the summer but wants to fight for his place in the plans of head coach Juande Ramos.

"We have got depth in the centre-back position and hopefully the manager thinks like that as well," Dawson said.

"Fingers crossed it will be the same next year. It is competition and we want to push on.

"It is speculation about my future. I am happy here and I don't know where that has come from."

Dawson missed the Carling Cup final win over Chelsea through injury but believes the club can use their Wembley glory as a platform for success.

Next season he feels they could challenge for a place in the top four, adding: "We have definitely got the quality. You look around the dressing room and I'm sure the manager has got aims and what he wants to do. Every player is striving for the same.

"We have got a good squad here and of course we want to build and climb up that table. Our goal is to be chasing them and to be up near the top."