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Heat on for Toon's Joe Kinnear and Alan Pardew to sign star names
JOE KINNEAR and Alan Pardew are under pressure to make Newcastle’s first major summer signing.
United’s bitter rivals Sunderland boast nine close-season recruits.
But Toon’s only addition is French midfielder Olivier Kemen, 17, from Metz.
Director of football Kinnear has been in the job over a month, and has made headway after Lyon accepted a bid worth nearly £9million with add-ons for France striker Bafetimbi Gomis, 27.
But terms still have to be agreed with Gomis’ representatives.
Manager Pardew, who wants two strikers, is anxious to see Kinnear seal a deal. The Magpies have also been frustrated in their pursuit of Aston Villa’s Darren Bent, 29, and QPR’s Loic Remy, 26.
Marseille’s Andre-Pierre Gignac, 27, has slipped off the radar.
Newcastle are also still exploring a deal for France frontman Remy, with QPR boss Harry Redknapp seeking a £2m loan fee.
Newcastle are looking to strengthen in midfield, too, with Wigan’s James McCarthy, 22, a target.
Meanwhile, the FA could investigate after Newcastle fans threw flares during their side’s 2-1 friendly win at Gateshead on Friday night.