Lennie Lawrence has been looking for a new striker, and after recently failing to sign Rob Hulse from Crewe Alexandra, made the offer to loan Cort for the entire 2003/2004 campaign.

Sir Bobby Robson doesn't want to let Cort go though, as he wants sufficient back-up strikers.

Newly-promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers swooped to loan Cort back in March, but also found their offer rejected by Sir Bobby Robson.

"My main concern is Newcastle United, and I need to make sure we are covered up in all positions," said Sir Bobby.

Cort joined Newcastle for £7million from Wimbledon back in July 2000, but has had a torrid time with injury since joining the Magpies.

He has found the net only eight times in three seasons, and the formidable strike partnership of Alan Shearer and Craig Bellamy has made it almost impossible for Cort to get a regular spot in the Toon starting line-up.

Cort managed to avoid being placed on the transfer list during Robson's summer clearout last month, and has vowed that he will work hard to gain his place in the Newcastle side back.

"It's been frustrating but I'll keep working hard." said Cort.

"I can sulk or get on with it."