Keegan wants the players to stay, but rumours suggest "others at the club" were willing to listen to offers for them.
Martins was allegedly offered to Liverpool; Barton almost had his contract torn up; and Smith was allegedly at Goodison last Wednesday.
However, Shay Given is adamant about the manager's credentials to lead Newcastle. He also has concerns at a lack of additions in the transfer market.
Given: "Kevin's absolutely the right man for this club.
"It's his club, he knows it and the supporters inside out, but he needs to be given the right backing to get the players in as well. He has that charisma and aura which gives the players a huge lift when he speaks in the changing-room, but he hasn't got a magic wand, either, and he does need the backing of the club to get the players in.
"When he came to the club, we were in big trouble. Now he wants to bring in some of his own players, who will strengthen us. We've only brought in a couple so far, so hopefully there will be a few more.
"We hope things are going to be better this time, but I can't stand here and say they definitely will be. I do feel that we need to strengthen the squad a bit more, because it is too small."