Redknapp doesn’t expect Remy to stay at Newcastle United

Harry Redknapp believes Loic Remy has set his heart on playing in the UEFA Champions League next season, which is bad news for Newcastle United.

The France international initially pitched up in England when he joined Queens Park Rangers last January, but despite scoring six goals in 14 matches, he was unable to prevent them from slipping out of the Premier League. Determined not to drop down into the second-tier, the former Marseille man is now spending the season on loan at Newcastle, where he has established himself as a key member of the first team picture.

Remy has notched 13 goals in 23 league outings during his spell with the Magpies, who have made no secret of their desire to sign him on a permanent basis when the transfer window reopens. However, there is sure to be plenty of interest in the 27-year-old, and it looks unlikely he will remain at St James Park after Redknapp revealed that the former Marseille striker has set his sights on shining in the Champions League next season.

“Remy wants to play Champions League football next season, so they tell me,” the QPR manager told the Fulham Chronicle. “The chances of us keeping him are not great. He’s done well at Newcastle, and one or two other big clubs are trying to get him, so there’s every chance he will go. He’s a scorer, and he’s capable of getting 20 goals. If I say he’s worth £20million and his buy-out clause is £10million, or whatever, then it’s difficult.”

Arsenal and Everton are currently fighting for the final Champions League berth on offer in the Premier League, and both have been linked with Remy in the past. Whilst it is thought that the striker would prefer a move to the capital, as he did when he snubbed Newcastle for Loftus Road 15 months ago, the Toffees have a great chance of pipping the Gunners to fourth place after they beat Arsene Wenger’s side 3-0 last weekend.

Luuk de Jong, meanwhile, hopes his own temporary stay on Tyneside will be made permanent ahead of next season. The Holland international, who has seven caps for his country, joined Newcastle on loan in January following a disappointing spell in Germany with Borussia Monchengladbach, and although he has yet to open his account in 10 games for Alan Pardew’s side, he has already stated his intention to remain at the club.

“I just want to improve my game every game,” the 23-year-old de Jong, who’s older brother Siem, of Ajax, has also been linked with the Magpies in recent weeks, told the Shields Gazette. “That’s why I love being here. I hope to be important for the team, and after this season, I hope to stay. I like it (in the Premier League). It’s more physical than Germany and Holland. It’s how I like to play. There are a lot of aerial duels.”

 

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