Pardew cools talk of Newcastle departures

Pardew has spent his first fortnight on Tyneside having to deal with speculation that Carroll could be a target for the Barclays Premier League's 'big boys', while Taylor will be able to talk to potential purchasers next month if he does not agree a new contract.

In addition, the 49-year-old has been forced to warn clubs that midfielder Joey Barton will not be available at a knockdown price in January.

He said: "Andy seems to be a very level-headed guy and from what I have seen of him, he has adhered himself to the place here.

"This is his town and he is playing for a big city club. He also understands that whatever he wants to achieve in the game and the ambitions he has, he could achieve here.

"He has already got an England cap and if we progress as a team, then maybe those international caps will increase. He's a young player who potentially could be a really great player."

That potential was underlined by headlines at the weekend suggesting Tottenham are preparing a 20m bid with Chelsea waiting in the wings, although Newcastle insist they will not sell.

Pardew added: "It doesn't surprise me that some of the big clubs are looking at him.

"Having said that, he is very, very important to this football club and I am making that very, very clear to the media and to other managers if they ring me.

"No one has rung me, though, so I am just putting it down to speculation at the moment."