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Newcastle target Bafetimbi Gomis to leave Lyon for FREE at end of season
LYON striker Bafetimbi Gomis has revealed he will leave the French club next summer on a free transfer - after his proposed move to Newcastle fell through last month.
Gomis was close to joining the Magpies after the North-East club agreed a £7million fee with Lyon, but the deal eventually collapsed.
The 28-year-old claims Newcastle asked him to take a wage cut to leave the Stade de Gerland for St James' Park, and he will now remain with the Ligue 1 until his contract expires in July 2014.
When asked how long he will remain at Lyon, Gomis said: "Until the summer!"
He also revealed he had met with owner Jean-Michel Aulas on Saturday morning, adding: "He also wanted to defend his interests, like I have defended mine.
"Now the transfer window is over, we must go again hand in hand.
"If I decided to stay it is because I respect the hierarchy.
"The president is also known to be positive."
Gomis returned to Lyon's starting line-up on Sunday night during their 0-0 draw with Rennes, but may be seen in a Newcastle shirt this time next year if they revive their interest in the 12-cap Frenchman.
Director of football Joe Kinnear set his sights on landing a high-profile forward for Alan Pardew's squad this campaign, but only managed to bring in QPR's Loic Remy on a season-long loan.