Newcastle transfer rumours and news: Chelsea want £12m for Remy; Townsend arrival could lead to Thauvin exit

All the speculation from St James' Park

Loic Remy played on loan for Newcastle in 2013/14 (Getty)

Steve McClaren, the Newcastle United manager, is ready to address his side’s goal-scoring problems with a move for Chelsea’s Loic Remy – but will have to pay £12m, according to reports.

McClaren is close to wrapping up a deal for Tottenham winger Andros Townsend and wants to add further firepower in the form of Remy, who is finding his game time limited at Chelsea.

Remy is likely to spend even less time on the pitch with the imminent arrival of Alexandre Pato.

The Daily Mail today reports that with Newcastle’s negotiations for Saido Berahino having stalled, they will move for Frenchman Remy, who has already spent a season on loan with the Magpies, scoring 14 goals in 26 Premier League matches.

He will not come cheap, however, with Chelsea holding out for £12m. Chronicle Live, meanwhile, say McClaren could try to sign Remy on loan, after Newcastle’s approach for Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette was rebuffed.

Townsend’s £12m move to Newcastle United from Tottenham is set to be concluded today.

The two clubs reached an agreement on deal that sees the England winger move to St James’ Park and he is in the north-east to complete his medical and agree personal terms.

A potential consequence of Townsend’s arrival could be Florian Thauvin’s departure.

Thauvin has made only three Premier League starts since he arrived from Marseille last summer for £12m, and various reports today suggest he could move back to the French club on loan.

According to Chronicle Live, however, Thauvin is still wanted at the club, and was urged by McClaren to fight for his place. Senior players in the dressing room, including Moussa Sissoko, have also pleaded with him not to leave.