Owen joined United from Real Madrid for £17million in August 2005 but his career on Tyneside has been blighted by injury so far. There has been recent speculation about Owen's future but Magpies chairman Mort claims there is no chance he could leave for a low fee.

He said: "There was a clause in Michael's contract which allowed him to leave for a certain fee during the last transfer window and the summer before that as well, but that sort of clause does not exist any longer."

Meanwhile, Joey Barton may have to wait a little longer for his first Newcastle start after manager Sam Allardyce said he will not be ready to face Tottenham Hotspur.

The 25-year-old, a £5.8million summer signing from Manchester City, has yet to play a competitive match for the club after fracturing a metatarsal at Carlisle in pre-season.

He had hoped to force his way into contention for Monday night's Barclays Premier League visit of Spurs to St James' Park. However, despite playing two reserve matches and a behind-closed-doors friendly, Allardyce revealed he will be no more than a substitute.

He said: "Joey has got a slight chance of being in the squad, at the very best just on the bench. He is a number of games short yet and still trying to catch up on match practice, but he is working very, very hard to get there."