The Magpies have grown accustomed to speculation linking their stars with moves, with the likes of Sandro Tonali, Tino Livramento, Malick Thiaw and Nick Woltemade all the subject of transfer talk over the course of this season.

Gordon is no stranger to speculation and Premier League leaders Arsenal have today been linked with a fresh summer move for the England international.

Howe admits there's only so much he can do when his stars are linked away, but believes his players are experienced enough to deal with speculation.

Only last week Gordon was quizzed on fresh reports linking him with a move away and dismissed the speculation as "the same old", insisting he'll be unaffected by the talk.

Howe said: “I'm not sure there's a lot I can do about that. I've not seen the story, so it's news to me.

“But we're mid-season, we're in the middle of some of the biggest games of his career and who knows what's going to happen internationally with him in the summer as well.

“He's got not time to look left or right, he's got to be fully-focused on...