Alan Pardew is still hopeful of adding to his Newcastle squad, but as important has been keeping his star players at St James' Park. The Toon boss is delighted to have retained the services of his most valuable assets and believes their continued presence at St James' Park is as important as any new signing.
"The most important thing is that you don't lose your best players, and I think that's got lost a little bit," he said.
"It doesn't sell papers, keeping players, but for us and for me in particular, Joey Barton, Andy Carroll, Jose [Enrique], Cheik [Tiote], all those very, very important players, we have managed to push everyone away - and there have been enquiries, as you would imagine."
While his time has been dominated by speculation regarding his own players, Pardew admits he is still looking to bolster his ranks before the window slams shut. The likes of Shaun Wright-Phillips and Stephen Ireland have been touted as possible targets and the Magpies are expecting to add fresh faces before the end of the month.
Pardew said: "It really is a moveable feast, so you just have to be on your toes and make sure you have got yourself in place.
"Now, between myself, [managing director] Derek [Llambias] and [club secretary] Lee Charnley, we are all geared up and ready to move if we feel there is one or even two players we feel can help us."
