Montpellier appear to have stolen a march on Newcastle United and Liverpool in the race to sign free agent Andre-Pierre Gignac. The 19-cap French international is a free agent having let his contract run down at Marseille and the Magpies are long-term admirers of the 6ft 1in forward. Liverpool and Monaco are also interested in acquiring the striker's services - but it is Montpellier who have made the first move to sign Gignac, who scored an impressive 21 goals in 37 Ligue 1 appearances in 2014-15. Speaking to RMC, Montpellier president Louis Nicollin revealed his club's interest in the forward. When asked about Gignac's situation, Nicollin replied:
"I do not know yet - we will see within (the next) 15 days."
If Nicollin's musings are true - and that is not necessarily a given, with the eccentric president known to enjoy dishing out a soundbite or three - then Newcastle may have to act quickly if they do want to bring 29-year-old Gignac to St James' Park. Magpies owner Mike Ashley has insisted the club will invest this summer, and stumping up the wages for the experienced forward would certainly prove that. A supremely-talented striker, Gignac has frustrated French supporters because he has failed to consistently fulfil his potential - although he enjoyed a prolific campaign last season, netting 23 goals in 38 games in all competitions. In all, Gignac has netted 129 goals in 372 career appearances for Lorient (2004-07), Pau (2005-06), Toulouse (2007-10) and Marseille (2011-15). For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCultureNUFC on Twitter and Facebook.