Mark Hughes had Ranger watched against Doncaster Rovers last Saturday, and his scout will have sent a favourable report back to the City of Manchester Stadium, having seen the teenager come off the bench and change the game for the Magpies, who went on to win 2-1.

But with Ranger under contract at St James's Park until 2012, boss Chris Hughton isn't concerned about the growing interest in the 18-year-old, who has made a big impression this season in the absence of the injured Shola Ameobi.

Ranger is still looking for his first senior competitive goal for the club, but he could get another chance on Monday night in the televised clash against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, with Marlon Harewood's place under threat.

Hughton, however, is still minded to use Ranger – promoted to the first-team squad late last season by then boss Alan Shearer – sparingly, with the player still adjusting to the demands of Championship football.

Asked about Man City's interest, Hughton said: "There'll always be speculation in football, but we've not had an official bid for Nile from anybody, and his future's here with us.

"He's still a young lad who only last year was playing in the reserves. He did very well at that level.

"He's in the first-team squad on merit – and he deserves to be here.
"He'll get wopportunities this season, but he is really one for the future."