Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce has given up hope of landing Manchester United ace Wes Brown on loan next month.

The Magpies tactician had targeted the England international after the long-serving Red Devils ace rejected the chance to sign a new contract.

However, Allardyce believes with worries over Gary Neville's long-term fitness, Ferguson will not be prepared to let Brown depart in the New Year.

"Wes Brown is not going to be available in January," he told The People. "He may leave at the end of the season.

"The speculation comes round because he supposedly turned a contract down, but I can't see Sir Alex letting him leave with Gary Neville being injured."