Predatory clubs have been served notice that Michael Owen will not be permitted to leave St James’ Park on the cheap next summer, with Chris Mort, the Newcastle United chairman, confirming last night that the England striker no longer has a get-out clause in his contract.

Sam Allardyce’s rebuilding plans were undermined during the most recent transfer window by speculation regarding Owen’s position, a consequence of the release clause agreed by the previous regime on Tyneside. A similar situation applied to Obafemi Martins, Newcastle’s Nigeria striker.

Owen’s advisers could have opened negotiations with any club who bid £9 million, but Mort has denied that the 27-year-old will be available for a reported £6 million at the end of this season.

“That sort of clause does not exist any longer,” he said. “We want to see a fit Michael Owen scoring goals for Newcastle United for many years to come.”

Whether that results in Owen remaining at Newcastle is uncertain. Manchester City and Manchester United are admirers of the forward and, if Owen does not show a willingness to extend his present deal - worth £115,000 a week – Newcastle would risk losing him for nothing when it expires in 2009.

After having groin surgery recently, Owen’s selection for international duty – and a match today on an artificial surface – has prompted disquiet at his club, but Allardyce maintained yesterday that their relationship is solid. “I’ve not had any friction with him,” he said. “When we have something to discuss, we discuss it and just get on with things.”