Newcastle United boss John Carver says they cannot afford to lose Moussa Sissoko in the final days of the winter market.

Carver says Sissoko's presence is the difference between a top and bottom half of the table finish.

The Daily Mail says he has made it clear to managing director Lee Charnley that losing star player Sissoko would all but extinguish hopes of a successful season finish.

Carver was confirmed as manager to the end of the season this week.

 For the big stories and the banter follow us on Twitter: @tribalfootball