Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has rejected suggestions his bid for Adrian Mariappa, which Watford described as 'miles away' from the player's valuation, was aimed at unsettling the defender.

The Magpies made a bid for the Hornets' vice captain on Monday but it was immediately rejected by the Hertfordshire club.

Dyche suggested Newcastle's derisory offer may have been aimed at unsettling the player - something Pardew denies.

"We've tried to be as honest [as possible]," Pardew told BBC Newcastle.

"Certainly my philosophy in terms of the media and fans is to get the message out there of what’s going on. I don't like there to be surprises.

"Unfortunately in the transfer market it’s very difficult because people then come in at the 11th hour. We've had big success in the transfer market just recently and other teams have noticed, it isn't lost on them.

“So when we come in for a player suddenly another club gets interested and the prices start going up ... Suddenly we get into a bidding war. That's something we try to avoid."