Newcastle United boss John Carver insists Ayoze Perez's career would be best served by staying for another season - at least. The Magpies paid just £1.6million for the Spain Under-21 starlet last summer. He is now rated in the £15m bracket and Manchester City have spoken to Carver about the former Tenerife frontman.

"I know for a fact there is interest in him," said Carver. "You go in coaches' rooms after games and have a chat. A few people have spoken very highly of him, which is good. I had a good chat with Brian Kidd at Man City about him.

"I'm not surprised by that. He's a young lad and an exciting talent.

"When we signed him we thought he would have a full season in the under-21 team developing. But he was thrown in at the deep end and he dealt with it."

Carver added: "I think it is best he stays here, absolutely."