ALAN Pardew will hold his nerve until the last minute of the transfer window if he has to, as Newcastle United wait to discover whether the two bids they submitted this week have been accepted.

Pardew has hinted that two deals could be done on Monday, but suspects the clubs in question are going to wait to see whether they receive a better offer before the deadline.

And that policy is wise after a day in which Aston Villa sent out confusing signals over the future of United’s top target Stephen Ireland.

Villa boss Gerard Houllier told reporters yesterday he would definitely not be selling Ireland in January – and hinted that the £7m signing does have a future at Villa Park. But the indications are that this is an attempt to play hard ball over a player whose £60,000 a week wages are a sticking point in any loan deal.

Asked if Ireland would be staying at Villa, Houllier said: “Oh yes.

“Of course (he could have a future), if he shows he’s better than what I have, yes. I’m not stupid, I’ll play the best players.”

Privately United are confident they have managed to secure their two recruits – but Pardew knows the selling clubs might be waiting for a “better offer” to come in late on Monday.

He was remaining cautious yesterday but the Newcastle boss confirmed he was looking to sign a replacement for departed winger Wayne Routledge – who has joined his former club QPR in the Championship on loan – even if he is not necessarily looking for a like-for-like signing.