Transfer news: Newcastle closing in on first signing after Lyon president confirms a deal has been agreed for striker Bafetimbi Gomis

Magpies are currently the only team yet to make a signing but Gomis looks set to move to St James' Park within the next 48 hours

(GETTY IMAGES)

Newcastle could be about the finalise their first signing of the summer after Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas confirmed that a deal has been agreed over the transfer of striker Bafetimbi Gomis.

The Magpies are the only Premier League side yet to add to their senior squad, but it seems that could be about to change after the club had a bid accepted by the Ligue 1 club, believed to be around £9m.

The Tyneside club have had a turbulent summer with the return of Joe Kinnear as director of football coinciding with managing director Derek Llambias’ resignation, which was then followed by a dispute with striker Papiss Cisse over the new main kit sponsor Wonga.

Having avoided relegation last season, owner Mike Ashley wants a vast improvement this time round, but the lack of transfer activity had some Magpies fans worried that there wouldn’t be any new signings this summer.

However, Aulas told French paper Le Journal du Dimanche: "We agreed on Newcastle's offer. The club (Newcastle) has come to accept the player's salary claims.

"The deal is now subject to an agreement over the agents fees," he added.

"I understand there's a problem over the amount and the payment of the fees ... Hopefully, it would be settled within the next 24 or 48 hours."

Newcastle were also linked with a move for Aston Villa striker Darren Bent, although Fulham now seem favourites for his signature after lodging an improved third bid for the 29-year-old.

They could also still take Queens Park Rangers striker Loic Remy on a season-long loan, with manager Alan Pardew keen on adding to his attacking options.

QPR are eager to get Remy off the wage bill for at least a season as they attempt to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking, but Newcastle officials are reluctant to cover his 70,000-a-week wages in full and are looking for the west London club to pay a share of the salary.