Kevin Nolan is not for sale at any price says Hughton

Nov 27 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

CHRIS Hughton has re-assured Newcastle United fans that midfield talisman Kevin Nolan will not be leaving St James’ Park after holding his first pre-transfer window briefing with Mike Ashley.

The United owner was at the club’s Benfield Park training ground yesterday on a routine visit to talk shop with managing director Derek Llambias and Hughton – one of Ashley’s first flying visits since confirming his appointment as permanent boss.

The United manager is looking to strengthen his squad, but is also aware of growing interest in one of his star performers, Kevin Nolan – with Everton boss David Moyes an interested onlooker as the midfielder produced a moment of inspiration to steal three points at Preston on Monday.

Bolton are also understood to have an interest, while former Bolton bosses Phil Brown and Sam Allardyce are long-term admirers of United’s top scorer.

Hughton is adamant that they are wasting their time tracking Nolan, however, and has bullishly insisted that the midfielder is not for sale at any price. Coming just a few hours after meeting Ashley, it is a further sign that the United boss will not have to contemplate letting any of his big hitters leave when the transfer window opens in January.

The Newcastle manager’s resolve has been strengthened by the attitude of his players, who have buckled down admirably to get the club out of the Championship and do not want to leave before “righting a few wrongs”.

“I am absolutely confident we can keep Kevin – I’m very confident that we can keep him and we won’t have to sell him,” Hughton said.