Wigan Athletic boss Roberto Martinez admits any interested club must cough up big - believed to be £12 million - for Charles N'Zogbia.
But any Champions League side can land the winger for around £9m.
Sunderland, Newcastle and Liverpool are sniffing around the Frenchman, 25, who wants to play for a top club.
But Latics will try and prevent him joining a club who could prove to be a rival to them next season.
So when Toon enquired they were quoted the higher price.
Boss Roberto Martinez said: "If a club comes in who are not in the Champions League, I'd say no. We don't need to sell."
