Allardyce told the Evening Chronicle: "While they say everybody has got his price, I can tell them that Steven Taylor is not for sale."

Taylor is out of contract at the end of the season and has as yet been unable to agree a new deal with the club at which he emerged from the academy.

Meanwhile, Allardyce has also insisted striker Obafemi Martins is not for sale amid reports both Aston Villa and Manchester City are monitoring his situation.

The Nigeria international, who is currently away at a national team training camp in Malaga ahead of the African Nations Cup, was heavily linked with a move away from St James' Park during the summer after it was revealed there was a £13million get-out clause in his contract.

However, Allardyce said: "We have had no contact with Villa or City about Obafemi Martins, but I can tell them - and anybody else, for that matter - that he is not for sale."