Alexandre Lacazette to Newcastle: No formal bid for striker after Lyon make position clear

Magpies desperate to boost attacking options but will look elsewhere

Alexandre Lacazette (GETTY IMAGES)

Newcastle have not made a formal bid for Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette after learning he is not for sale.

PA Sport understands that, while the Magpies have a long-held interest in the player and are desperate to boost their striking options this month, he is simply not available at this time.

Reports from France have claimed the Magpies have tabled a 25 million euros - around £18.3million - bid for Lacazette.

However, sources on Tyneside were mystified by the suggestion and insisted that is simply not the case.

There is little doubt that Lacazette is a man who has been scouted by the club in recent years - at 24 years old, he fits their transfer model perfectly - and it would be no surprise if there has been an enquiry.

However, that kind of figure would break the club's transfer record even if he were available.

Head coach Steve McClaren is hoping owner Mike Ashley and managing director Lee Charnley will back him during the winter transfer window with Newcastle sitting inside the Barclays Premier League relegation zone after 20 games.

They have struggled for goals so far this season with summer signing Aleksandar Mitrovic yet to find his feet and support for him will be the major priority this month.

PA