Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew insists he does not want to sell Joe Barton, or any other players, during the January transfer window.
Midfielder Barton has been linked with a move away from St James’ Park when the transfer window reopens next month, with Newcastle reportedly keen to trim their wage bill.
However Pardew, who took over following the surprise sacking of Chris Hughton at the start of December, insists he has no plans to let anyone leave until he has thoroughly assessed his current squad.
The former Southampton boss said: “We don't want to do any business.
“Part of my first week or so here has been spent trying to analyse what is the situation with the players we have and to try to secure their positions before we start looking elsewhere.
“That's been my main focus, rather than looking at other players who could raise the level here.”