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Rafa Benitez: Not selling Moussa Sissoko or Georginio Wijnaldum

Rafael Benitez
Image: Rafael Benitez says star players Moussa Sissoko and Georginio Wijnaldum are not for sale

Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez says he is not intending to sell star midfielders Moussa Sissoko or Georginio Wijnaldum, with reportedly no bids on the table for either player.

Wijnaldum is currently training with the Magpies squad at Maynooth, just outside Dublin, while Sissoko has been given time off after being involved with the France squad which reached the final of Euro 2016.

Dutchman Wijnaldum has been valued at around £27m, although Benitez is adamant he is not interested in talking cash.

PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 10:  Moussa Sissoko of France in action during the UEFA EURO 2016 Final match between Portugal and France at Stade de France on July 1
Image: Moussa Sissoko playing for France against Portugal in the final of Euro 2016

The Spaniard told Sky Sports News HQ: "We want to keep them, so I will not talk about money. We want the right balance and we will make the right decision for the club."

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He also praised Wijnaldum who Benitez stressed is completely focused on being in good mental and physical shape going into the new campaign.

Benitez added: "He's a professional. A very good player, which we know. He's training well, which is good for him and also for the team.

"I've had these situations in the past with players. Some can get disappointed, but we are a group of professionals and still they have to keep working."

Georginio Wijnaldum is devastated about Newcastle's relegation
Image: Georginio Wijnaldum: Newcastle want around £27m for the Dutchman

Newcastle have already splashed out around £30m on five new players, with the club in talks to sign 24-year-old Blackburn defender Grant Hanley.

Rovers are allegedly seeking close to £6m for the Scotsman and, talking generally about adding more players to his squad, Benitez went on: "We want to sign as soon as possible. We have a plan.

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Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez says he is happy with his squad, but will look to add to it if the right player becomes available.

"We already have players with Championship experience. They know what it takes to get promotion and fight every week - and play two games a week. All we need is to bring in some players."

Two players who have already left are former skipper and central defender Fabricio Coloccini, 34, who has returned home to Argentina, and Andros Townsend - a summer signing for Premier League club Crystal Palace.

Newcastle open their Championship season with a trip to Craven Cottage to face Fulham on Friday, August 5, a match you can watch live on Sky Sports 1.

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