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.

However, after yet more quotes from France attributed to N’Zogbia linking him with Arsenal, as well as Tottenham and Aston Villa, the Magpies boss took the unusual step of calling Gunners counterpart and friend Arsene Wenger to ask if he is on the trail of the 22-year-old Frenchman.

He said: “I have spoken to Arsene Wenger and he said he’s not interested in any of my players, so I don’t know where the agent is coming from. We are looking into it. If it is true, then the agent is being disrespectful. He’s never had the decency to explain anything to any member of this football club.

“It’s laughable, to be honest. It’s absolute nonsense. Charles is under contract until 2012, and I told him on day one that he was a very important player. He’s been in the team, and has done very well. He’s 60-40 to play tomorrow — and I hope he does.”

Kinnear was unhappy too with suggestions that Bolton and Portsmouth are ready to battle it out for Barton’s signature, while he also revealed Smith was unimpressed by reports that he could be offloaded to either Everton or Middlesbrough. Both men are currently working their way back to fitness after long-term injuries.

Kinnear said: “We have identified the players we want, and it’s in Dennis Wise’s hands. As for bids for our players, we haven’t heard from anybody. It’s been non-stop and the latest rumours focus on Joey Barton and Alan Smith. I spoke to Alan Smith and he is bitterly disappointed that his name has been bandied around for no reason at all.

“He is two weeks away from full fitness, and I don’t know how we can transfer someone who has been out for six months. It’s the same with Joey Barton. He’s back in full training next week.”

Kinnear left yesterday’s press conference duties to number two Chris Hughton, and he was quick to confirm that the club’s policy remains that no key player will be sold.

The manager is clearly unhappy with some of the rumours surrounding both his current squad and the players he is attempting to lure to St James’ Park this month.

However, Hughton insisted Kinnear was simply getting on with his job.