Marseille president Vincent Labrune has rebuffed reports that striker Loic Remy is set to move to England in the January transfer window.

Remy is reportedly a target of numerous Premier League clubs but Newcastle United appear to be the front runners according to the English media with Queens Park Rangers and West Ham not a million miles behind.

However, good finances and Joey Barton in his ear may convince Remy and Marseille not to jump the gun.

Alan Pardew is on the look out for a top striker as it appears Demba Ba’s days at St James’ Park may be numbered and the French international may be the perfect replacement.

The 25-year-old has not been a regular in the Marseille starting line up this season and that has affected his international selection, so a move abroad may suit the player.

However, Labrune has claimed that he wants to keep the highly rated forward.

"I'm not looking for a way out for Loic," Labrune told Le Parisien as reported by Sky Sports.

"I like him, and I know his potential.

"Our finances are healthy.

"I don't have to sell this winter, we're rather in a position to buy one or two players to help continue the best start to a season the club has made in nearly 20 years."