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John Carver blocked the sale of Papiss Cisse to the Arab League.

Cisse was being tempted by a massive financial offer to join Al Ahli in the UAE a fortnight ago.

But the striker, who returned from Senegal duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, saw the proposed deal killed after Carver insisted he was needed.

(Image: Action Images)

Cisse is Newcastle’s top scorer with ten goals and Carver said: “I wanted to keep hold of him and I was supported 100% from Lee (Charnley, MD).

"It was a relief to be supported, to be honest, as it’s a good sign.

“I said before he went off to the African Nations that he was our top goalscorer and the only way you win matches is by scoring goals.”