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Pardew determined to keep Barton and Ben Arfa

Joey Barton is valued at £5 million © PA Photos

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Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has announced his intention to keep hold of in-demand midfielder Joey Barton, claiming that the former Manchester City man is "a big part" of his plans.

Barton, who is being lined up to inject some life into Premier League strugglers West Ham in the January transfer window, delivered a man-of-the-match display in Pardew's first game as boss - a 3-1 victory over Liverpool on Saturday - and the former Hammers boss says he does not want him to leave.

"He is a big part of my plans," Pardew said. "I am going to speak to Joey because there is no doubt this season has been a real turnaround for him.

"He still has that hot streak he showed the other day, but his performances have been excellent. He has been one of the top three players of the season."

The Newcastle hierarchy are thought to want to ease the club's wage bill in January, with Barton's £67,000-a-week packet proving a particular burden to the Magpies.

West Ham are ready to offer around £2 million, though only a bid of closer to £5 million is likely to tempt Newcastle to part company with their dynamic midfielder, who launched an impassioned defence of axed former boss Chris Hughton following the victory over Liverpool.

Pardew is also determined to tie up a permanent deal for on-loan Marseille winger Hatem Ben Arfa, who is currently sidelined after breaking his leg against Manchester City in October.

"He's in my thinking - strongly," Pardew said. "I am going to speak to [managing director] Derek (Llambias) about that and see if we can resolve it some way.

"I've had a brief meeting about potential targets and positions with [Newcastle head scout] Graham Carr. I still need to assess the group here. It would be unfair not to. But the window is an opportunity and you have to keep an eye on it. Hopefully it will be good news."

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