Transfer news: Newcastle 'target' Bafetimbi Gomis plans to remain at Lyon until the end of the season

The Magpies held talks over the striker during the summer transfer window

Bafetimbi Gomis (GETTY IMAGES)

Bafetimbi Gomis has doused any fears of another saga in the January transfer window by insisting he will remain at Lyon for the entire season and see out his contract.

Over the summer the France striker was involved in an interminable proposed move to Barclays Premier League side Newcastle which eventually fell through.

He returned to the Lyon XI on Sunday night for a Ligue 1 match against Rennes and was a threat throughout, hitting the bar as the teams shared a goalless draw.

When asked how long he will remain at the Stade de Gerland, Gomis told reporters: "Until the summer!"

He also revealed he had met with owner Jean-Michel Aulas on Saturday morning.

"He also wanted to defend his interests, like I have defended mine," Gomis said.

"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 had been an outcast for the summer, and was not training with the first team, but he insisted he had not been apprehensive about his return to the Gerland.

He said: "No, because even though I'm not an old veteran, I have a lot of experience.

"I have the chance to exercise this wonderful job and it was a pleasure to return as a young man from training to bring my coolness and my desire for a great season."

The former St Etienne player also committed himself to giving his all for Remi Garde's side.

"I am fortunate to be at a club like Lyon," he said.

"I think the coach can motivate us this season as he has always done before.

"Do not forget that I had my best seasons in his era.

"I receive support from my team-mates and the public are behind me."

While Gomis' return was welcome, he still could not inspire Lyon to victory and they have now taken just one point from a possible nine after winning their opening two games of the season.

They lie eighth in the table, six points off leaders Monaco, and Gomis believes he is not quite sharp enough yet although he admits he had opportunities to score.

"Yes, I would like to be scoring but I must have a few more matches in my legs to feel better and get to my level," he added.

"I'm not worried, I believe in work, there is no reason (his sharpness will not come back)."

Neither is he worried about Lyon's fortunes, adding: "No, not at all.

"There is quality here.

"We cannot lie: we will not be champions of France! But we will try to get a European place.

"I intend to do everything to help the team to get (there)."

PA