Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy has declared that there is "no chance" of Daryl Murphy rejoining the club on loan next month.
The 33-year-old striker called time on his five years at Portman Road over the summer when he made a switch to promotion favourites Newcastle United, although he is yet to feature in the league for the Magpies and has been restricted to just two appearances in the EFL Cup.
Murphy's lack of game time under Rafael Benitez has led to speculation that he could be in line for a swift return to McCarthy's side when the transfer window opens in January.
"No, [he won't be back]," McCarthy told the Ipswich Star. "I say that speaking on behalf of Rafa. If you're going for promotion it doesn't matter what you're spending on the players. If you look like you are going to earn zillions [by being promoted] why would you even consider getting shot of a player that might score you a winner at some stage?
"There's no chance, no. He won't be going anywhere. Should I say there's a place for him here just in case? Put my sandwich board on?!
"It's also a question of whether he'd come back. He's had his time here, had his success here and got his big move. I'm always open to suggestions though if Rafa fancies it. He might want to lend me a few others if it helps us beat all the teams around him! We need to get goals – we've only scored 17 and that's not good enough. We desperately need some."
The Tractor Boys have the second-worst attack in the division, having found the net just 17 times in their first 19 games of the season.
Neil Wilkes
