Newcastle Transfer News: Toon Back In Race For France International Striker

The Magpies are one of a host of clubs hoping to sign Gignac on a free transfer.

By Chris Waugh /

Newcastle United have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Andre-Pierre Gignac after the France forward turned down a move to Russia side Dinamo Moscow. Liverpool, West Ham United and the Magpies are all interested in bringing Gignac to the Premier League, with Montpellier hoping to convince him to remain in Ligue 1 and Turkish giants Galatasaray also aiming to secure his signature. 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, who has opted against moving to the Russian Premier League with Moscow, according to L'Equipe.
Liverpool and Monaco are also interested in acquiring the 29-year-old striker€™s services - but it is Montpellier who made the first move to sign Gignac, who scored an impressive 21 goals in 37 Ligue 1 appearances in 2014-15. And Galatasaray responded in kind, by reportedly offering the striker a three-year deal worth £1.8 million a season. 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 whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.