Toon boss Kinnear losing patience with transfer speculation

NEWCASTLE boss Joe Kinnear has hit out at fresh speculation that several of his key players are up for grabs during the transfer window.

On the eve of today’s must-win Barclays Premier League clash with West Ham, the 62-year-old read reports that midfielders Charles N’Zogbia, Joey Barton and Alan Smith could be sold to fund his own recruitment drive.

Kinnear has repeatedly insisted none of his key men will be offloaded this month, although with executive director (football) Dennis Wise doing both his and owner Mike Ashley’s bidding behind the scenes, those decisions may ultimately not be his to take.