Newcastle United are battling with Fulham to sign Olympique de Marseille and French international striker Andre-Pierre Gignac, according to Mercato 365.
Gignac did not show up for training this morning in Marseilles, and assistant manager Guy Stephan admitted that the forward had gone abroad to discuss a potential transfer with teams.
Those are believed to be Fulham and Newcastle, with the latter the favourites after the Cottagers moved for Bryan Ruiz of Feyenoord.
Newcastle have needed a striker ever since the departure of Andy Carroll to Liverpool, with none of Leon Best, Shola Ameobi, Peter Lovenkrands or Nile Ranger appearing likely to grab the 20 goals a season manager Alan Pardew craves.
Perhaps Gignac is that man, but his shaky form for Marseille means Magpies fans ought to be cautious.
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