Toon wait, Lyon rage as Gomis disappears

NEWCASTLE’S move for Lyon’s Bafetimbi Gomis took a new twist after it emerged the striker has gone AWOL from the French club. Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has accused the Newcastle target of failing to show for a crucial meeting to discuss his future yesterday. Aulas said: ‘We gave him a letter by hand to notify of the meeting, but he did not come.’ The 27-year-old striker, who has also attracted interest from Fulham and Marseille, was due to meet club bosses in Lyon to iron out fees and finances for his proposed move. Lyon want £12million for the France international, who has been told he can quit the club, and his advisers are keen to secure signing-on bonuses and a substantial salary increase. After missing out on PierreEmerick Aubameyang to Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle director of football Joe Kinnear has identified Gomis as his top priority. Newcastle youngster James Tavernier is going to League One side Shrewsbury on loan. The defender, 21, can play at either full back or centre half and will remain at New Meadow until September. Northampton have signed Newcastle striker JJ Hooper, 19. Kinnear is also still interested in Aston Villa’s unwanted former England forward Darren Bent. Fulham have also shown interest, but are talking with Roma over Pablo Osvaldo too. The Italians remain keen to replace him with Arsenal’s Gervinho as negotiations limp to a conclusion. ARSENAL starlet Joel Campbell will join Olympiakos on loan for the coming season. WEST HAM are unlikely to pursue interest in Juventus striker Fabio Quagliarella. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is working through a list of potential signings including West Brom target Matej Vydra of Udinese. Quagiarella has been made available but his wages and £9m fee are considered too expensive for a 30-year-old. Juventus are also keen to sell Alessandro Matri, 28, who has attracted enquiries from Everton and Liverpool, but will cost £10m.