Newcastle United do not plan to allow Moussa Sissoko and Georginio Wijnaldum to leave the club despite widespread reports linking the with moves away from St James' Park. The prospect of a season in the Championship has seen the duo linked with moved to north London pair Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, but Benitez is ready to hold firm.

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The Times understand the Gunners are interested in a £20m ($15.16m) move for Sissoko, who was the stand-out performer for France in their European Championship final defeat to Portugal. The 26-year-old has regularly stated his desire to move to The Emirates Stadium, while manager Arsene Wenger is a known admirer of the former Toulouse midfielder.

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The Daily Mail meanwhile report that Wijnaldum is top of Tottenham's transfer wish-list but face having to match Newcastle's £25m valuation. Benitez has sent a strong message to the pair, who will both play Champions League football next season, that neither player will be allowed to leave.

"Maybe, you never know," the Newcastle boss said, according to The Chronicle. "Our idea is to keep these players, if it's possible. But we know how football is now and the market and agents. Gini has trained really well, and I'm very happy with him.

"And Moussa, I rate him very highly. He was very good for us at the end of the season and in the Euros. We know what is going on. A lot of people will be asking for them, but, at the moment, we will see if they can stay and improve the team. It not, we will find the best solution for the team.

"I was in contact with him after every game. I was delighted because he was doing well and progressing. He was playing at the level he was playing at the last games of last season. I think everybody can see the potential of the player. He was enjoying it. I was disappointed because they didn't win."

Arsenal and Tottenham have each made two signings this summer, with Wenger's team having recruited Switzerland's Granit Xhaka and Japan youngster Takuma Asano. Mauricio Pochettino has meanwhile added Victor Wanyama from Southampton and Vincent Janssen from AZ Alkmaar.

While Newcastle begin their Championship campaign against Fulham on 5 August, Arsenal and Tottenham's domestic campaigns in the Premier League start a week later. Spurs travel to Everton while Wenger's men also travel to Merseyside to take on Liverpool at Anfield.

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