Newcastle United risk missing out on free agent Andre-Pierre Gignac after Galatasaray reportedly offered the French international forward a three-year deal. Liverpool and the Magpies are both interested in bringing Gignac to the Premier League, with Montpellier hoping to convince him to remain in Ligue 1, but now Turkish giants Galatasaray have entered the race for 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. Liverpool and Monaco are also interested in acquiring the strikers 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 have responded in kind, by reportedly offering the striker a three-year deal worth £1.8 million a season. This comes just a day after Montpellier confirmed their interest in the forward. When asked about Gignacs situation on RMC, Montpellier president Louis Nicollin replied:
"I do not know yet - we will see within (the next) 15 days."
If Nicollins 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, particularly with Galatasaray now stealing a march. 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.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
