Steve Bruce has told Dwight Gayle he doesn't want to sell him in the January transfer window - because he would cost too much to replace.
Bruce has been managing expectations ahead of the January trading period as he feels Newcastle may not get some of the targets on their list.
Full-back cover and an energetic midfielder are also at the top of his list and selling Gayle would then mean he has to re-enter the market for a striker.
Gayle, who has been linked with West Brom and Nottingham Forest in recent times, is yet to start a game this season.
But Bruce told the Chronicle: "I don't want to let Dwight Gayle go.
"I made that pretty clear in the summer.
"How would I replace him?"
When asked if that was because of the amount of money it would cost to bring in another striker, Bruce, who signed £40million Brazilian Joelinton in the summer, said: "Yeah absolutely.
"And I wouldn't want to let any of our good players going in January.
"I fought hard in the summer to keep him and that will be the case again."
Bruce has hinted he is ready to keep faith with his front three of Miguel Almiron, Allan Saint-Maximin and the Brazilian forward.
It leaves Gayle waiting for an opportunity, Bruce said: "The more he has trained the more he comes into contention.
"Dwight missed a big chunk of training through injury.
"If called upon he will be OK."
