St James’ Park side could miss out on Lyon striker.
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Bafetimbi Gomis’ dream move to Newcastle is currently balancing on a knife edge as reports suggest the Magpies have cooled their interest in the French international, in order to pursue other transfer targets – such as Blackpool’s Thomas Ince.
Olympique Lyonnais’ Ligue 1 rivals Marseille have contacted the club over the availability of the 28 year-old, despite his move to St James’ Park being close to completition according to the Daily Mirror. OM’s interest will only stall the deal further, causing more frustration amongst the Toon Army – following a poor summer, signing just one senior player.
It is thought Joe Kinnear and Alan Pardew had agreed Gomis would be an excellent addition to work with Loic Remy and Papiss Cisse upfront. Kinnear had already agreed a fee and personal terms with the club too, but Mike Ashley’s employee was trying to thrash out a deal with the agent who appeared to be demanding too much for the transfer of his client.
Lyon’s president Jean-Michel Aulas had previously complained about how transfers of his players were being dealt with, and today a statement from his camp was released.
“Mr Aulas says that during negotiations between the representatives of Bafetimbi Gomis and Newcastle, Olympique de Marseille intervened to make contact with the player and his agents without warning Lyon. As a result, if the negotiations with Newcastle should collapse, it would be Marseille’s fault.”
Aulas then admitted personally, “I’m convinced that if he doesn’t go to Newcastle, the proposed solution will be not be nearly as good for his career.”