Papiss Demba Cisse was never going to leave Newcastle United

United Arab Emirates champions Al Ahli were reportedly keen to sign Cisse.

But head coach Carver has claimed United managing director Lee Charnley was always going to resist any bids for Cisse, who is set to start against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this evening.

“I wanted to keep hold of him, and I was supported 100 per cent from Lee,” said Carver.

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

Carver feels Cisse – United’s top scorer with 10 goals – was missed on Tyneside while he was away in Equatorial Guinea with Senegal for the African Cup of Nations last month.

“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,” said Carver.

“It’s amazing what that one goal can do. He’s been lively about the place, he’s been smiling.

“What I will say is that up until the Palace game we have been creating and missing chances.

“We haven’t taken those opportunities and if Papiss had been there he would have finished off one or two of them.”