Though Newcastle United are (hopefully) moving away from their tendency to dip into the French market now Rafa Benitez is in charge of the club, there have been some interesting reports emanating out of France of late.
Back in 2013, when the Magpies were seemingly hell-bent on raiding all Ligue 1 had to offer, they were strongly linked with a move for then-Lyon forward Bafetimbi Gomis. At that point, the central striking berth at St. James’ Park was not at all hotly contested, with Demba Ba having left for Chelsea just six months before.
It was thought a fee had been agreed for the striker back then, though reports from L’Equipe have shed some light on as to why a deal to bring him to St. James’ Park ultimately fell through.
While they say a move for the Les Blues ace was reportedly close, top brass on Tyneside are believed to have gone cold on the idea of paying his agents what was presumably a high commission fee.
Gomis, of course, later moved to Swansea and bagged just 13 league goals in 64 Premier League games for the Jack Army. As bad as some the French signings proved to be over the years, the Toon probably dodged a bull there.
