Monday, 9th September, 2013

Bafetimbi Gomis has fired the starting gun on a January switch from Lyon, but warned suitors Newcastle that he is still feels unwilling to lower his salary expectations.

The France striker almost joined Newcastle in the summer, with Lyon keen to ship him out of the Stade Gerland. But Newcastle wanted Gomis to reduce his wage demands, something he was not prepared to do, and the move collapsed.

 


Gomis has been reintegrated into the Lyon squad after officially being sidelined but, with a contract which expires next summer, is not minded to talk about a renewal with Les Gones after the events of the summer.

And if there is an effort on wages to be be made, he feels it should be on the part of Lyon, who want to part with him, or Newcastle.

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"I think that today after what has been done and said, especially with me not returning to the economic and sporting project, it is not conceivable to talk about an extension", Gomis said on the Canal Football Club.

"I arrive in the shoes of a new player. I will try to integrate as soon as possible with my new team."

Gomis then spoke about his failed move to Newcastle, with a nod to the Premier League club that should they return for him in January they will find largely the same attitude on his part, despite France coach Didier Deschamps recommending a move.

"I focused on two clubs, after a discussion with the coach [Deschamps, ed.].

"He gave me his views. He told me that Newcastle was a club where there were a lot of France internationals.

"I talked to the coach of Newcastle and we reached an agreement.

"Then there was a discussion with Lyon, there was an initial offer that was rejected, then a second which was accepted.

"Newcastle came back asking me to make an effort with my wages. I said to myself that it was not I who should be asked, but the club who ask me to go [Lyon, ed.].

"So if there was an effort to be made it was for Lyon or Newcastle to do it."

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