Newcastle move for Gomis in doubt

The Magpies are interested in signing the 28-year-old striker, but the French club's president has stated the sale of Lisandro Lopez poses a 'new problem' for the protracted deal

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas says the departure of Lisandro Lopez to Al Ghafara could scupper Newcastle's hopes of landing Bafetimbi Gomis - but did not completely rule out a deal.

Aulas is refusing to accept an offer lower than €9 million for the French international, who scored 16 goals last season in Ligue 1, and the loss of Lopez means the Lyon is now looking to recruit more forwards.

However, the 64-year-old is keen for all parties to find an agreement before the end of the transfer window, which could mean that Gomis will still be sold.

"Obviously the departure of Licha [Lisandro] is a new problem," he told the club's official website. "I'm trying to get everyone around the table to hold discussions. There are no offers for [Gomis]. With the departure of Licha, [we must] recruit a center forward or a player to play on the right side. But, I repeat, I am ready to discuss the sale of Bafe.

"We must be humble, me first. Bafe needs to play. I think it would be a mistake to stay camped in our positions. We must work with his agents to find something that suits him, or to stay at OL on good terms."

Magpies midfielder Moussa Sissoko says he is still hopeful that new director of football Joe Kinnear can resurrect a deal to bring Gomis to the north-east of England.

The 28-year-old would join a plethora of French speaking players at Newcastle should he be granted a move and Sissoko would be the first to welcome him.

"Bafe Gomis is my friend and he says to me that he wants to come to Newcastle, but it is not easy with the president (of Lyon) or an agent," Sissoko told reporters. "I don't know if its finished yet or not. If he comes here, it is a very good move for him. I will keep the message the same to him - we would like him to come to Newcastle. Maybe I will talk to him this week again."