NEWCASTLE UNITED are not prepared to sell Papiss Cisse for anything less than £10m this summer after knocking back Michael Laudrup’s attempts to land him.

In a move which could yet affect Steve McClaren’s own rebuilding programme, the Magpies are ready to hold on to last season’s top scorer rather than sell him for less than what they believe he is worth.

That could impact on McClaren’s own ideas, even though he is appreciative of what the Senegal international can serve up in front of goal when he is fully fit.

McClaren has identified Queens Park Rangers’ Charlie Austin as the striker he wants to lead the line next season, but there is also strong interest in Wolfsburg’s Bas Dost and West Brom’s Saido Berahino. To bring two of that three in would cost well in excess of £20m so the sale of Cisse could be key.

The African turned 30 this month and still has two years remaining on his contract. He boasted the best minutes-per-goal ratio of any Premier League striker last season, having scored 11 times from his 11 starts (and 11 substitute) which amounted to 1,154 minutes on the field of play last season.

Newcastle could do with him being fit for the longer term having spent the majority of last season battling to overcome a kneecap problem.

That has not put off the interest in him, with clubs from Russia, China and the Middle East all known to be keen. Lekhiywa, managed by former Swansea boss Laudrup, are one of the likeliest suitors for his signature.

The Qatari Stars League title winners, who have just handed the Danish boss a further year’s contract, are one of a number of clubs willing to give the player a significant pay rise to what he is earning at St James’ Park. Al-Ahli Are another said to be keen.

However, Cisse looks set to remain in the North-East for the time being after both Newcastle and the player knocked back offers.

McClaren hopes to have at least two new players on board before the start of pre-season training in a fortnight’s time. It is under a month until he takes Newcastle to the United States on a first tour under his watch.

He does not intend to sell many of his players before the transfer window closes on September 1.

The former England boss is thought to be interested in signing 22-year-old Jesse Lingard from one of his old clubs, Manchester United. He had Lingard at Derby County on loan last season and is weighing up whether to hand him a Premier League chance next season on Tyneside.