Curbishley, though, had enough of the “unsettling” speculation as he looks to strengthen his squad rather than let any key men leave.

“Conversations were had, not by me and [Newcastle manager] Graeme [Souness], but by other people – there are so many involved nowadays,” the Charlton manager revealed, having yesterday left Murphy out of his side for tactical reasons ahead of the 2-0 win over Birmingham.

“I think the conversation went ‘you are always after our players, so how about one of yours?’ and they mentioned Danny, then we said no straight away.

“We were not going to put it on the back page, but someone has and it has just mushroomed from there.

“Graeme, as I did, has attempted to squash it because there is nothing in it.

“Every conversation I have had with Danny has been consistent – it is nothing to do with us and is not going to happen.”

Curbishley added: “We all know Lee Bowyer is out there and he would love to come back to London, but not in a straight swap for Danny Murphy.”

The Charlton boss is, however, keen to complete deals for at least one player over the next few days.

“I am hoping to bring someone in this week – if not two players,” said Curbishley, reported to have been tracking both Cardiff striker Cameron Jerome and Tottenham defender Anthony Gardner.

“I am looking in all three departments, but not for a goalkeeper. I have got three good keepers.

“If I think I can strengthen the squad I will do it.

“Everybody is trying to do something, and we are no different.”

Birmingham have already added Chris Sutton to their ranks on a free transfer from Celtic, and following the sale of Walter Pandiani, have a some money with which to attack the January sales.

Steve Bruce is likely to aim to land Charlton’s wantaway midfielder Jason Euell, but will have to raise his bid to the region of £1.5m.

“We were interested in him during the summer, and then he dislocated his shoulder,” said the Blues manager, “But he is fit again now, and we will see what progresses.”