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Newcastle struggling to sign Lyon's Grenier

Grenier is not keen on a move to Newcastle © PA Photos

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Newcastle's hopes of signing Clement Grenier from Lyon are look increasingly doubtful after the midfielder and his club claimed it would not go ahead.

Manager Alan Pardew had hoped to add the France international to his loan signing of Luuk de Jong after selling Yohan Cabaye to PSG.

However, Grenier is not keen on making the move to St James' Park and the Lyon owner Jean-Michel Aulas insists a deal is unlikely.

"I am not aware of all that [Newcastle negotiations]," Grenier said. "I have lots of objectives I need to achieve this year with Lyon. I can nearly say that I will not be going to Newcastle."

Newcastle and Lyon have been haggling over a price for Grenier and Aulas has a reputation as a wily negotiator.

However, he is reported to have said on Thursday: "We have had two offers but I don't believe that there will be any movements."

The price being discussed is said to be up to £15 million but Newcastle have offered to pay the full fee up front in previous transfer deals in order to reduce the fee.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have lodged an appeal with the Football Association for the wrongful dismissal of Loic Remy.

The striker was sent off during Tuesday's goal-less Premier League draw with Norwich at Carrow Road after an ugly clash with Bradley Johnson.

Pardew was furious with the reaction of Johnson after a head-to-head confrontation concluded some pushing and shoving between the too.

The Newcastle manager accused Johnson of "stupid" drama for going to ground and said the Norwich player should be ashamed of himself.

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