Newcastle manager Alan Pardew on Saturday revealed he is keen to sign Lyon striker Bafetimbi Gomis.
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Pardew is desperate to land a new forward after Demba Ba's January move to Chelsea and continued speculation that Senegal international Papiss Cisse wants to quit St James' Park.
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Gomis, who has just one year remaining on his Lyon contract, is reported to be willing to leave the Ligue 1 club and Pardew is preparing to make a firm bid for the France international.
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"We have expressed an interest in Gomis," Pardew told The Times.
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"We think that he's a player who has great potential.
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"He's a French international who's played at the highest level for his club and we're perusing it."
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Gomis has scored over 100 goals in Ligue 1 with St Etienne, Troyes and Lyon and has three goals in 12 appearances for France.
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That prolific record has attracted Pardew's interest and, speaking in another interview with the Chronicle, he said: "The Lyon president has come out and said we are involved with Gomis - and I can confirm we are.
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"Bafetimbi is a player we think could do very well for us. He is on our sights."
Newcastle United is interested in so many players right about now cos they want to do everything possible to maintain their 'Dope Club' status.