Newcastle agree deal for Lyon striker Bafétimbi Gomis

The Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has claimed the club have reached an agreement with Newcastle United for the sale of striker Bafétimbi Gomis.

The Magpies have been on the lookout for a striker since the beginning of the summer although it appeared their hopes of landing Gomis had hit a stumbling block when Lyon rejected their near €8m take-it-or-leave-it bid earlier this week.

However, it appears Newcastle have had a change of heart as they look to end their frustration in this summer’s transfer market.

Newcastle, who finished 16th in the Premier League last season, have yet to add to their squad since the end of the last campaign although Aulas's comments suggest a deal is now close for the 27-year-old French international.

Aulas is quoted as saying on the French website Journal du Dimanche: “We have accepted the proposal of Newcastle, which is €8m, plus €2m. The agreement is now linked to the acceptance of agents’ fees. I understand that the problem is in the amount and manner of payment of commissions.

“There are several people involved in the operation, which complicates the negotiations. But I am hopeful that things will be resolved within 24 or 48 hours.”