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NEWCASTLE United are understood to have touched base with Marseille about signing Loic Remy.

And the cash-strapped former European champions may have little choice but to start listening seriously to any bids that come their way.

Marseille chiefs have told boss Elie Baup he must sell to buy as the club look to restructure their financial blueprint.

The Chronicle understands Newcastle are still taking a serious look at their striker situation, despite Demba Ba easing fears he could quit the club.

Ba’s set-fee release clause expires next week, but that does not protect Newcastle for the remainder of the transfer window.

And while United have held talks with Ba’s representatives over a possible new deal, they will continue to look at the long-term picture on Tyneside.

Remy could cost up to £15m, but the striker’s contract is up at the end of the coming season, and Marseille are not really in a position to name their price.

Both Tottenham and Malaga are also thought to be keen on Remy, but even though the Spaniards could offer him a fantastic package due to their oil-rich owners, the lure of regular first-team football in the Premier League may prove to be the difference.

At 25, Remy fits into Newcastle’s blueprint, and his goal record in France of over a half-century of strikes for both Nice and Marseille is there for all to see.