Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has insisted that the club do not need to sell Moussa Sissoko this summer.
The 26-year-old has publicly expressed his desire to leave the club following their relegation to the Championship, with European champions Real Madrid among those thought to be interested.
However, Benitez warned that it would become more difficult to prise the France international away from St James' Park the closer it comes to the transfer deadline.
"If someone thinks if they will wait until August 31 it will be easier, I can guarantee them it will be more difficult," he told BBC Newcastle.
"If someone wants to come, they have to come now with the right offer and we will analyse that. If not, he is still our player and he carries on working hard. Everyday will be more difficult because we are happy with him and we don't have to sell.
"I told Moussa we know how things work in modern football and that is not the right way. I said, 'You are a professional, you are our player, I rate you very highly and I like you as a person'. 'Keep working hard and let other people do their business'."
Newcastle, who lost their first game back in the second tier, will take on Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
