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Newcastle enquire about Lyon's Bafetimbi Gomis while Hull move for Jimmy Briand
NEWCASTLE are the latest club to show an interest in Lyon's Bafetimbi Gomis while Hull are in contention to bring teammate Jimmy Briand to the Premier League.
Lyon are looking to cut their wage bill this summer and Gomis and Briand, along with Yoann Gourcuff, have been made available for transfer.
And this has piqued Newcastle's interest in bringing Gomis, who has been compared to Didier Drogba, to St James' Park.
According to reports in France, the Magpies have made an enquiry but are yet to follow it up with a formal bid.
Toon interest in the French international may have been sparked by the ongoing row with Papiss Cisse over shirt sponsor Wonga, which could see him leave the club.
Whilst Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas wants to sell Gomis to the highest bidder, the player reportedly only wishes to join a club playing the the Champions League.
Aston Villa, Swansea and Cardiff have also previously been linked with a move for the 27-year-old and Villa in particular were thought to be on the verge of making a £8m bid as an insurance policy against losing Christian Benteke.
But with Champions League football set to be a deal-breaker it appears that Shaktar Donetsk may now hold the upper hand in the race to add Gomis, if they can agree a transfer fee with Lyon.
Meanwhile, Hull have emerged as a surprise destination for winger Jimmy Briand.
Like teammate Gomis, Briand is used to flying high in the Champions League with Lyon but the French international is reportedly willing to consider a move to Steve Bruce's Premier League newcomers.