Loïc Rémy, the Marseille striker, moved a step closer to joining Newcastle United as Demba Ba's replacement on Monday when he reportedly rejected overtures from Harry Redknapp to sign for Queens Park Rangers.

Although other Premier League and Bundesliga clubs retain an interest in Rémy, Newcastle officials flew to the south of France over the weekend to negotiate a deal which could cost as much as £11m. A QPR delegation including Redknapp has also visited Marseille but the player's heart appears to be set on a future at St James' Park.

Although reports in France suggesting Remy had travelled to Tyneside to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical may have been premature, Newcastle aim to secure a deal sooner rather than later as they strive to pull clear of the relegation zone.

The manager, Alan Pardew, is also exploring the possibility of bringing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the St Etienne forward, to Newcastle.