The French club’s outspoken president Louis Nicollin has directed another swipe at St James’ Park, suggesting he is sick of the recruitment tactics used by the Tyneside club.
Nicollin said: “Yes, the ‘great’ English club Newcastle has made us an offer of 8m euros from three weeks ago, which I refused. I do not think Newcastle is right for him and I also think they are taking us for idiots.
“They sold Yohan Cabaye to PSG, for I do not know millions, and they should not take us for fools.''
Hertha Berlin are understood to have told the 22-year-old that they would like to keep him unless meeting their £10m valuation is met.
Hamburg, where he spent last season on loan scoring 13 times in 20 appearances, are keen to have him on board again next season.
Despite the signing of young Spaniard Ayoze Perez, the Magpies’ only senior first team striker is Papiss Cisse, who is recovering from a serious knee injury.
Numerous forwards have been considered, including Leeds United’s Ross McCormack, who was the subject of a £5m offer from a team in the Championship in the last 48 hours.
And Newcastle remain in the hunt for France international Bafetimbi Gomis who is a free agent on July 1 when he officially leaves Lyon.
Another target is Gomis’ compatriot and Lyon team-mate Alexandre Lacazette. The 23-year-old would, however, cost more than £10m amid competition from Arsenal.