Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has dismissed speculation that midfielder Joey Barton could move to another club.

The controversial Liverpudlian, 28, has been linked with rival Premier League teams - but Pardew insists he is determined to keep his best players.

"We don't want to do any business," said Pardew, who took over from sacked Chris Hughton earlier in December.

Last week Pardew stressed that young home-grown striker Andy Carroll, now an England player, will not be sold.

"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," added Pardew.

I have been on record as saying I want to stay here for the rest of my career Joey Barton

"That's been my main focus, rather than looking at other players who could raise the level here."

Barton joined Newcastle from Manchester City in a £5.8m deal in June 2007, four months after he had made his full international debut for England.

But, the following year, he served two months of a six-month jail sentence for attacking a man during a night out in his hometown.

He also dismissed the speculation over his future and told BBC Radio 5 live: "I was actually laughing about it, saying that I thought £1.5m was a little bit cheap and if I was them, I would ask for more, and we had a good giggle about it.

"People write what they write, it is silly season. I have always gone on record about the affinity I have got with the fans at this football club, and the football club and my fellow players.

"I have been on record as saying I want to stay here for the rest of my career.

606: DEBATE He's a very key player, most of Carroll's goal have come from him and I don't really want to see him leave Stand-up-if-you-love-the-toon

"Nothing has happened and no-one has told me otherwise, and as far as I'm concerned, that's what's going to happen."

Pardew also revealed he is due to meet out-of-contract defender Steven Taylor's agent in a bid to thrash out a new deal.

The 24-year-old's current deal expires at the end of the season, but the new boss at St James' Park is keen to retain his services.

And Taylor is happy to be wanted by Pardew.

"I have been very impressed with the new manager," he told The Journal newspaper. "Since he came in, he's been absolutely spot-on.

"Within a day or two of him coming in, he sat down in his office and made it clear he wants me. He just wants to get the ball rolling."

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