• Premier League

Pardew not fazed by transfer talk

ESPN staff
March 24, 2012
Alan Pardew is looking to build at Newcastle © PA Photos
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Alan Pardew believes it is a positive sign that his Newcastle stars are being linked with moves away from the club.

Pardew has done a fantastic job since replacing Chris Hughton in controversial circumstances last season, with the Magpies still in the hunt for European football.

Demba Ba has been a shining light in attack for Newcastle, but the likes of Tim Krul, Cheik Tiote and Yohan Cabaye have earned rave reviews.

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has shown he is not afraid to deal if the price is right and Pardew is aware it could be a busy summer on the transfer front.

"Speculation is part of the game and I have no problem with that - but all of our best players are on long-term contracts here," Pardew said. "Anyone who looks at this football club will know we are difficult sellers. Someone is going to have to pay a lot of money to take one of our players away - especially considering where we are right now and are having success.

"We have some really, really good players here. My focus is to ensure that they are focused. If we can get one win and something from the other two, or get a couple of wins, then we are really well set for the last six.

"If we do it, it's not just a great reward for the players but it will help attract players. I said last week, we must now focus on that, change our goals to focus on Europe."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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