Toward the end of last month, it emerged Queens Park Rangers raised Loic Remy's release clause by £2 million, putting his long-term future at Newcastle in doubt. These developments mean Newcastle, who signed Remy on loan at the beginning of the season, will have to stump up £10 million if they want to take the French star on permanently. But there are further complications in that Remy refused to commit himself to the Toon beyond his current, 12 month deal, which is set to expire next summer. The 26-year-old said recently:
I will look at whatever offers come in whether they be from Newcastle or whether they be from QPR. Then Ill consider what is best for me and for my future career. The most important thing at the moment is playing well at Newcastle, then hopefully trying to get a more regular position in the French squad. And then, afterwards, I am still a QPR player. I am just here on loan.
The French striker memorably snubbed the Magpies last January in favour of QPR and there are genuine concerns he may do the same again at the end of the season. Remy has been found in terrific form since joining Newcastle on a temporary basis earlier this summer, and is the club's leading goalscorer thus far with 6 strikes to his name. Which is why any potential return to his parent club, or elsewhere, in seven months would be a devastating blow for the North East outfit. To safeguard themselves from this potential hammer blow, Newcastle manager Alan Pardew should begin looking at replacement strikers in the New Year, and here's 5 we had in mind.
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
