RAFA BENITEZ has warned that clubs chasing Moussa Sissoko are playing a dangerous game if they wait until deadline day in an attempt to force Newcastle United to accept a cut-price deal.

The United manager yesterday told any interested clubs that they need to make an early move - and come up with the £35m fee demanded for the star of France's Euro 2016 campaign.

It underlines the fact that Benitez is prepared to keep Sissoko at St James' Park for the rest of this season, although that would dismay a player who is desperate to quit.

Asked if Sissoko could finish the season at St James' Park, Benitez said: "Why not? If we don't have the right offer, why not?"

He added:"If he has to stay because we don't have the right offer for him or for us, he will stay. If someone is thinking it will be easier on the last day, I can guarantee it will be more difficult.

"We understand he did really well in the Euros and can attract a lot of clubs, but he is our player and we are happy with him.

"The market is still open and the prices are the prices. If somebody wants to come, they have to come now with the right offer. If not, he is our player and has to perform."

Benitez, who has named Sissoko in his squad for today's game against Huddersfield, had talks with him earlier this week after the player gave the latest in a series of interviews detailing desire to move.

Benitez has resisted the temptation to fine him for his latest comments. "It's very simple. We said to him 'listen, you know how it's going on. You are our player'," the manager said.

"I rate him highly and I like as a professional and as a player, so I said 'just try to concentrate and do your job'.

"If someone is coming with the right offer, we will consider and we will analyse the offer. If it's not the right offer, we are really pleased to keep him here. He knows he has to concentrate on that.

"If someone wants to come, they have to make the right offer as soon as possible, or it will be impossible."

Benitez, who knows he risks a backlash from fans if he plays Sissoko in their first home game of the season today, has not checked if he wants to be involved.

"It's my decision," Benitez said. "Normally, if you ask players if they can play, they will say yes. But in this case I didn't ask because I know it's not easy for him at the moment."

Sissoko is back in Newcastle's squad for today's home game against Huddersfield Town and Benitez is prepared to risk a backlash from fans who are unhappy with the player's attitude.

"I was not thinking about that," Benitez said. "when I prepare the squad it's about which players are available. I can understand the frustration of the fans, but he is our player and a good professional who is training well and could be an important player for us during the season.

"It's my decision. Normally, if you ask players if they can play, they will say yes. But in this case I didn't ask because I know it's not easy for him at the moment."

One player who won't be leaving United is striker Aleksandar Mitrovic. Benitez was surprised by reports that he is ready to part with the Serbian international, who is currently suspended.

"It's not something that's true," said Benitez, who is more interested in buying a striker than selling one. "We need more power in attack, so how can we sell a striker."

A decision on Adam Armstrong's immediate future may hinge on the arrival a new forward. "Adam is someone who needs to play," the manager said.

"He will need to learn from experienced players and sometimes it is sensible to loan him but we will see. At the moment it's about whether we will bring someone else in, then we will see."