Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has told Leicester that on-loan striker Martyn Waghorn is not for sale.
Waghorn has scored seven goals in 17 starts since his summer move to the Foxes, who are looking to make the deal permanent at the end of the season.
The 20-year-old forward has shone in the absence of the injured Matty Fryatt and has been receiving good reviews for his recent performances in the Championship.
But Bruce has kept tabs on the youngster's progress and declared Waghorn is a big part of his plans for next season.
"There's been no communication between myself and Nigel Pearson and [a move] won't come into the equation," Bruce told the club's official website.
"We sent him there to get some experience - a bit like Jordan Henderson - and the kid's doing very, very well indeed.
"I wouldn't entertain a permanent move. Next year I have him earmarked as being one of my strikers because I have been delighted with his progress.
"I don't think the move is a goer."