Newcastle United join Bafetimbi Gomis race?

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has reportedly told director of football Joe Kinnear to sign French international striker Bafetimbi Gomis.

The 27-year-old has been consistently linked with an exit from Lyon this summer after scoring 18 goals in all competitions for Remi Garde's side last season.

Aston Villa also believed to be interested in the forward, who has less than 12 months left on his contract with Lyon.

Pardew is desperate to strengthen his options in attack and wants Gomis to be his first signing of the summer, according to The Mirror.

The Magpies, who have also been linked with a move for Darren Bent in recent weeks, are currently the only Premier League club without a summer signing.

Newly-appointed director Kinnear has been handed the responsibility of conducting transfer negotiations and will reportedly spearhead talks with Lyon over Gomis in the next few days.