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Loic Remy snubbed the chance to see what Newcastle United had to offer – in favour of a lie-in.

The 26-year-old France international, who completed his move to Queens Park Rangers yesterday, had been offered a full-works tour of St James’ Park and the city as well as a look around the training facilities at the club’s Benton base on Tuesday.

But, rather than take a flight to Tyneside, the Chronicle understands he opted to stay in bed until lunchtime before taking in the sights of the capital.

Sources close to the deal, which football agent Willie McKay was working on along with Remy’s representative Frederic Guerra, indicate that the player did meet Alan Pardew and managing director Derek Llambias in London for initial talks on Sunday.

The source told the Chronicle: “The original plan was for Loic to head to Newcastle on Tuesday after some courtesy talks. But he didn’t take up the flight and stayed in London at a hotel instead.”

His scheduled trip to Tyneside was abandoned once he agreed to meet both Harry Redknapp and QPR chief Tony Fernandes, who put together a huge financial package to persuade him to sign for the Londoners.

It is also understood that Remy’s wife preferred the move to the capital rather than living on Tyneside.

Remy though did speak to his fellow countrymen about a move to Newcastle over the phone, and asked close pal Olivier Bernard last summer about life at Newcastle.

The striker was handed number 18 at QPR but tried to play down talk he had made the switch for money.

The forward was offered almost double the wages at QPR and had a minimum fee release clause inserted into his contract, regardless of whether Harry Redknapp’s team are relegated.

Remy said: “I want to develop my game here. This season the objective is to stay up but beyond that we have greater objectives.

“After seven years in France, this is the right time for me to pursue a new challenge in the Premier League – the best League in the world.

“I am confident I can adapt to the Premier League. My main characteristics have taken me to the level I am at today but I am keen to keep improving.”

However, despite putting in plenty of work to try to secure Remy’s services – with two visits to France this month for talks with his representatives – United have had no choice but to move on from the snub.

This week has been spent assessing their options with a fortnight left of the transfer window.

As reported in the Chronicle last night, talks to persuade Fabricio Coloccini until at least the end of the season have now been delayed until next Monday.

But hopes of securing a centre-back and a striker will hinge on talks with two clubs this week.

United have been offered West Ham United’s James Tomkins but don’t see the England Under-21 player as the right fit at St James’ Park, despite having had a “slight interest” in the defender in recent times.