Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew is hoping he can retain the services of midfielder Cheick Tiote.
The Ivory Coast international is a target for Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow but Pardew is intent on keeping him at St James' Park.
"He's just a great player, he's just a top player. There were a couple of bids but they were nowhere near the valuation we have of the player," Pardew said.
"Top players demand top fees if they are going to move, but at the moment, that isn't the case. He is our player and we are looking forward to fitting him into the team.
"He is very much under contract with us and I love the way he plays, I love his mentality to the game and I look forward to seeing him this week, hopefully."
