Newcastle United's No. 1 January Transfer Target

For what felt like all summer, Newcastle boss Alan Pardew called for attacking reinforcements at St. James’ Park, even after the arrival of loan signing Loic Remy.

Their subsequent pursuit of Bafetimbi Gomis was one of the worst-kept secrets of the transfer window. Though the Magpies failed to get their man, the fact that the forward remains at Lyon speaks volumes.

In what was a hugely disappointing summer for United fans, not a single penny was spent on permanent signings, and the response has been one of fury and discontent.

Toon supporters took to Twitter in droves Monday night after deadline day came and went without incident, and their angst was directed solely at the club’s hierarchy.

Despite interest from Swansea City, according to Mark Douglas in The Journal, a move for the Frenchman Gomis is thought to have been sanctioned by Magpies owner Mike Ashley without ever reaching a satisfactory conclusion.

The inability to finalise this and a number of other deals has prompted calls for director of football Joe Kinnear to step down after a matter of just weeks in the role.

Newcastle are understood to have backed out of talks to sign Gomis early last month, as reported by Sky Sports, before attempting to resurrect the deal before the window closed.

The Daily Mail’s Simon Jones suggested that the international was back on Pardew’s radar, but a late bid failed to materialise.

Since Monday night, Sky Tyne and Wear have indicated that Gomis will review his situation at Lyon in January, when the 28-year-old will only have six months remaining on his contract at the Stade de Gerland.

If the price is right, expect Newcastle to return to the Ligue 1 side with a reduced offer in a belated attempt to bolster their striking options.

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