Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has insisted that the club will not lower their asking price for in-demand midfielder Moussa Sissoko.

The 27-year-old has been strongly linked with a move away from the Magpies following their relegation to the Championship, with the likes of Inter Milan and Everton the latest to be credited with an interest.

However, Newcastle are holding out for a £35m bid for the France international, and Benitez warned that they would not allow him to leave unless they receive a suitable offer.

"Moussa is now the big name in the market - if someone wants Moussa, they have to pay," he told reporters.

"If we are happy with the price and he is happy, then we can maybe consider. But if we are not happy, then he can stay here and I will be really, really pleased to keep him."

Sissoko will not feature during Wednesday's Championship clash with Reading due to an ankle injury.