SAM Allardyce has slammed newspaper stories suggesting he would have to sacrifice Obafemi Martins to raise transfer funds.

There were reports on Tuesday morning that the Magpies boss would have to sell the Nigerian striker, who scored 17 times last season in his maiden campaign at St. James' Park.

However, Big Sam told nufc.co.uk: "This story is complete and utter fabrication. There's nothing in it whatsoever."

Indeed, Martins told Newcastle World in an exclusive interview last week: "I am very, very happy here so I am not going anywhere."

Sam and chairman Chris Mort, meanwhile, are continuing to work hard behind the scenes in an attempt to add new faces to the Newcastle squad.