Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has confirmed the Magpies are interested in signing unsettled Lyon striker Bafetimbi Gomis.

After losing Demba Ba in the January transfer window and with speculation growing over the future of Papiss Cisse, Pardew has admitted that he is looking to strengthen up front.

And with Gomis seemingly looking for a way out of Lyon with just a single year remaining on his contract, the Newcastle boss has confirmed the French international is on his radar.

“We have expressed an interest in Bafetimbi Gomis,” Pardew said.

“We think that he’s a player who has great potential. He’s a French international who’s played at the highest level for his club and we’re perusing it.”

He added: “The Lyon president has come out and said we are involved with Gomis – and I can confirm we are.

“Bafetimbi is a player we think could do very well for us. He is on our sights.”

Gomis has scored over 100 goals in Ligue 1 with St Etienne, Troyes and Lyon and has 12 France caps, scoring three goals.

While Pardew is looking to beef up his attacking options, he also confirmed that there may well be exits from St James’ Park before the transfer window closes.

“We are trying to strengthen our attacking area. In midfield and at the back we are comfortable,” he added.

“I really feel there will be a player or two who moves on because of a little overload in midfield.”