Marseille striker Loic Remy has moved a step closer to completing a move to Newcastle by rejecting QPR, according to reports from The Guardian.

The Frenchman is a long-term target of the Magpies, who are keen to draft him in as a replacement for Demba Ba, who left to join Chelsea last week.

QPR manager Harry Redknapp had hoped to pip the Tyneside club to his signature by making an early move, but reports have emerged that the 26-year-old has turned down the chance to move to Loftus Road.

This has left Newcastle in pole position for his services, despite interest from a number of Bundesliga teams.

It is speculated that Alan Pardew will push ahead with an £11m move, after representatives of the club travelled to the south of France to discuss terms with his employers.

Newcastle are keen to tie up a deal as quickly as possible as they look to move clear of the relegation zone following an underwhelming start to the season.

As well as Remy, Pardew is also thought to be keen on Saint Etienne star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

He sees the pacey Gabon international as the ideal addition to his attacking armoury and somebody who can work well with first-choice centre-forward Papiss Cisse.

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