ALAN PARDEW insists he has not closed the door on Sylvain Marveaux’s Newcastle United career, but the Magpies manager has challenged the winger to step up his efforts in training in order to claim a place in the team.

Marveaux has made just three Premier League appearances all season, with his most recent start coming in August’s 1-0 win over Fulham.

He was an unused substitute in last weekend’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City, with his return to the bench marking the end of a 17-game run in which he had not even been involved in the match-day squad.

Greek side Olympiacos have been linked with a possible loan move for the 27-year-old, who is contracted to St James’ Park until 2016.

Pardew will consider any offers that are lodged this month, but claims he has not written Marveaux out of his plans despite the Frenchman’s recent lack of involvement.

However, there is clearly a degree of dissatisfaction at Marveaux’s attitude on the training ground, and it remains to be seen whether there is a realistic chance of a rapprochement.

“First and foremost, you have to show on the training ground that you are worthy of playing in this team or getting in this group,” said Pardew. “And then we go from there. It is as simple as that.

“We haven’t really seen Sammy (Ameobi) get a chance either in this recent run, and he deserves a chance as much as Sylvain.

“There are still three or four players who can emerge and come forward. I have never, ever isolated anyone at this football club, and I never will, so everyone has a chance.”

Steven Taylor has returned to Newcastle’s first team this month after a lengthy absence of his own, and Crystal Palace have become the latest club to express an interest in the centre-half.

Tony Pulis is looking to bolster his back four this month, although Pardew has provided a firm assurance that he will not be looking to sell Taylor during the current transfer window.