Steve Bruce says Dwight Gayle is not for sale in the January transfer window.
The Toon boss woke up to headlines suggesting Gayle has a £20million price tag - payable at the end of the season - for those clubs who want him on loan.
But Bruce, who started Gayle against Wolves with the striker providing an assist, shut down talk of an exit.
He said: “How many times?
“ I just said to the press yesterday . I’ve been asked this question time and time again. Why am I going to let him go on loan? And to where?
“It’s not possible, not with the problems we’ve had. I’ve said that from day one.
Gayle had been linked with Nottingham Forest and Leeds recently.
Bruce said: “I’ve waited for him for two and a half months because he’s been injured, then the team has done OK so he’s found it a struggle to get in.
“I’ve started him twice in the last four or five games! He was excellent today.
“He’s not going anywhere, it’s quite simple.”
