Bafetimbi Gomis lifts lid on failed transfer to Newcastle

Bafetimbi Gomis has revealed that Newcastle’s reluctance to meet his wage demands was the reason his move from Lyon fell through.

The France striker was heavily linked with a move to St James’ Park during the summer as Alan Pardew looked to bolster his attacking options.

And the 28-year-old says that the Magpies had a bid accepted by the Ligue 1 side for his services, but that he failed to reach an agreement about his wages.

“I had a talk with Newcastle’s coach and we found an agreement,” said Gomis.

“Then, there were talks with Lyon, there was a first offer – which was refused and then a second one, which was accepted.

“Newcastle then came back to me and asked me to make an effort on wages – but I never asked anything as it was my club which wanted to transfer me, so the effort had to be made by Newcastle or Lyon.”