Newcastle boss Alan Pardew refuses to pay over the odds

ALAN PARDEW has warned that Newcastle will not be held to ransom as they continue their pursuit of their striking targets.

Alan Pardew is refusing to be held to ransom over Newcastle's transfer targets

The Magpies hope to hold talks with Darren Bent’s advisers this week, while their offer for Lyon’s Bafetimbi Gomis remains on the table and they continue to investigate the possibility of a loan move for QPR’s Loic Remy.

Progress has been slow, with director of football Joe Kinnear as yet unable to deliver on his bullish promise of an early breakthrough following his appointment. But Pardew is hopeful of getting the men he wants – if the deal is right.

He said: “I’m not concerned about any of them slipping away. I think we are in the market still.

“We will pay what we think is the right price.”

Newcastle have consistently refused to budge on their valuation of a player since adopting a tried and tested approach to transfers, and have seen a series of potential signings go elsewhere as a result.

Newcastle are said to be keen on a move for Lyon forward Bafetimbi Gomis

“We will pay what we think is the right price.”

Alan Pardew

Their offer for Gomis remains in place, despite Lyon rejecting their latest bid, while they have been encouraged in their quest to land Aston Villa’s Bent, although Fulham are also interested.

Remy turned down the chance to join the Toon in January, but suffered relegation with QPR.

There is little prospect of the club paying what they consider to be over the odds for players.

Newcastle are also in the market for Aston Villa frontman Darren Bent

Pardew said: “We have always managed to get somebody over the line. I think we will this time.”

Pardew was at least able to welcome Papiss Cisse back into the fold as the Senegal striker’s returned from his exile and scored in a 2-0 friendly win at St Mirren on Tuesday.

It was Muslim Cisse’s first outing since he agreed to end his boycott of their Wonga-sponsored shirt on religious grounds.

Joe Kinnear has so far failed to deliver any new signings for the Toon