Newcastle United remain confident of signing Marseille striker Loic Remy.

The Evening Chronicle says United officials are in France this week looking to seal the deal.

It is believed that United are close to lodging a bid for the 26-year-old - although the negotiations are still ongoing and with a clutch of sides from the Premier League and the Bundesliga still keen, the fee could change.

Remy is still top of Alan Pardew's list as his big January signing.

After watching Remy in the Ligue 1 side's French Cup victory over Guingamp, United are still hopeful that Remy opts to move to St James' Park.