Stoke City have baulked at Newcastle United's asking price for Dwight Gayle after making an enquiry.
It is believed that the Potters can't afford the transfer fee and Gayle's wages.
The Magpies value Gayle north of £15million after his goalscoring heroics with West Bromwich Albion in the Championship last season when he grabbed 24 goals.
The striker is yet to appear in pre-season after picking up a calf injury in Nanjing during Newcastle's tour of China in the Premier League Asia Trophy.
Gayle is content to remain on Tyneside and fight for his place, despite the arrival of new number 9 Joelinton.
He is currently battling his way back from the muscle problem sustained in China.
But he is suspended for the opening game against Arsenal in any case after picking up a red card against Aston Villa in the play-offs.
Stoke boss Nathan Jones had been asked about his interest in Gayle this week but said: "Only that he is a fantastic footballer and he is a Newcastle United player.
"We have some good strikers at the club. Dwight is a fantastic one and he is a real marquee signing at this level.
"That is all I can say on it really.
"He is a Newcastle player.
"He is someone we like because he is a very talented individual and when he plays at this level he usually scores goals.
"But anything else would be wrong of me to mention."
