Source: PA
Pardew determined to keep star names
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is determined to hang on to his big names as the January transfer window enters its final fortnight.
Pardew has spent the last few weeks having to fend off interest in star striker Andy Carroll, who was today linked with a £30million move to Tottenham, and is hoping to persuade a rejuvenated Joey Barton to sign a new deal.
The Magpies are ready to resist any offer for Carroll this month, but realise there may come a time when they are unable to do so.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme, Pardew said: "The most important people at the club are the players we have and who are doing well, the Andy Carrolls, [Cheik] Tiotes and Steven Taylors of this world.
"We need to make sure they stay part of the fabric of this club and we build on those with the good senior players, the Kevin Nolans, the Joey Bartons and [Steve] Harpers that we have around them.
"We have a nice balance at the moment and it's important we keep that nucleus and build on it."
