Minor issues could derail St James’ Park switch.
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Newcastle United’s director of football Joe Kinnear is hoping to wrap up an £8million deal for Olympique Lyonnais forward Bafetimbi Gomis next week, despite admitting to Sky Sports he is desperate to bring in new signings before the start of the new season according to Goal.com.
Gomis has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League since long before the transfer window opened, but after weeks of speculation, it appears the French international is set to sign for Newcastle United, in a £8million move plus £2million add-ons.
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas told L’Equipe, “We have accepted Newcastle’s conditions and Gomis has accepted theirs too. It could still go haywire. There are minor issues which could cause problems. Either way, the deal won’t be done for another eight days probably.”
The Magpies kick off the new campaign away to last season runners up Manchester City, who have spent well over £100million this summer on Fernandinho, Negredo, Jovetic and Jesus Navas – four players which are all good enough to fit into the Sky Blues’ first team.
Joe Kinnear’s second reign at St James’ Park has been far more controversial then his first spell – when he accepted the managerial role the season they were relegated to the Championship. A few seasons on and Alan Pardew is the latest of a long list of managers to follow after Kinnear’s dismissal, who has managed to take the club from a relegation battle, to fifth place and back again.
Mike Ashley has not taken to kindly to last season’s shortcomings and is hoping to bring European football back to Tyneside, after his club reached the quarter finals last season – crashing out to Portuguese champions Benfica.