Newcastle have launched a £15million-plus raid for French duo Bafetimbi Gomis and Andre-Pierre Gignac, the Daily Star reports.

Toon’s twin striker search has added urgency as fears grow that Papiss Cisse could be on his way out of St James’ Park.

And Benfica’s £10m-rated Paraguay frontman Oscar Cardozo has been lined up as the Magpies face a battle to lure Gignac away from Marseille.

Manager Alan Pardew has also admitted his interest in Aston Villa’s Darren Bent, 29, and QPR’s Loic Remy, 26. Now he has confirmed a move for Lyon star Gomis, while French sources claim a bid in excess of £10m has been made for France team-mate Gignac.

Gomis, 27, is also a Villa target but the chance to join the Geordies’ French legion is said to be his “preferred move”. With Gomis in the final year of his contract, Newcastle are looking to pay a cut-price fee of around £5m.