Remy close to Newcastle switch

Marseille midfielder Joey Barton has hinted at a switch to Newcastle for team-mate Loic Remy after wishing the striker good luck.

Barton spent four seasons with Newcastle and is plying his trade in Ligue 1 for the 2012/13 campaign after being sent out on loan by Queens Park Rangers.

“Good luck to Loic in Newcastle,” the 30-year-old posted on Twitter. “Don’t worry I’ve told him what to expect. Great guy. Perfect club for him.”

Newcastle have been linked with a January move for the 26-year-old France international following the sale of Demba Ba to Ch
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That left Papiss Cisse and Shola Ameobi as the only recognised strikers at St James’ Park and the former has struggled to reproduce his form of the previous campaign.

Earlier in January, Marseille sporting director Jose Anigo said Remy could leave Stade Velodrome for an English club.

QPR manager Harry Redknapp said he had been unable to convince the two-time Ligue 1 champion to discuss a switch to Loftus Road.

Remy would join the likes of Mathieu Debuchy, Yohan Cabaye, Romain Amalfitano, Sylvain Marveaux and Mehdi Abeid in leaving France for Newcastle.