Newcastle United management are determined to get top price for Dwight Gayle.

The Evening Chronicle says Newcastle are prepared to play hardball over Gayle amid interest from several Championship clubs.

Gayle has been linked with a move away from St James' Park, with Fulham, Nottingham Forest and former club West Brom all keen on his services.

But despite struggling to hold down a starting berth, Chronicle Live report that Newcastle will not accept a penny less than £15m for the 29-year-old - who still has 18 months to run on his contract.

Not only that, but the Toon will not let him leave unless they have a backup replacement lined up.