Bafetimbi Gomis
Gomis would be Newcastle's first significant summer signing.

Newcastle United are on the brink of making their first significant signing of the summer transfer window after agreeing a fee with Lyon for striker Bafetimbi Gomis.

The French international has one-year remaining on his contract with the Ligue 1 side keen to offload the 27-year-old who scored 20 goals for the club last season.

The Toon have added just Olivier Kemen to their squad this summer and having as yet failed to replace Demba Ba, who joined Chelsea in January the signing of Gomis would be a welcome arrival at St James' Park.

"We have accepted the proposal of Newcastle, which is €8m, plus €2m," Lyon owner Jean-Michel Aulas said. "The agreement is now linked to the acceptance of agents' fees.

"I understand that the problem is in the amount and manner of payment of commissions. There are several people involved in the operation, which complicates the negotiations. But I am hopeful that things will be resolved within 24 or 48 hours.''

Newcastle are still tracking Queens Park Rangers striker Loic Remy, who is available on a loan deal according to manager Harry Redknapp having only moved to Loftus Road in January.

Manager Alan Pardew had prioritised a new striker ahead of the summer transfer window after no player finished on more goals than Ba last season.

While the future of Papiss Cisse, Yohan Cabaye and Fabriccio Coloccini appears more concrete, Newcastle have endured a summer of turmoil amid the appointment of Joe Kinnear as director of football.

The former Newcastle manager has complete control over the club's transfer dealings but the failure to add to the signing of Kemen, who is likely to feature infrequently next season, has led to frustrations amid supporters and fears that the campaign could yet again be dominated by a battle to avoid relegation.