NEWCASTLE United have knocked back the chance to sign Senegal international left-back Boukary Dramé as they stage a last-ditch bid to keep hold of star defender José Enríque.

Lyon became the latest club to register an interest in Enríque this week, joining firm admirers Liverpool and Bayern Munich in the race to broker a deal for the £15million-rated left-back.

It is understood that preliminary talks have taken place between Enríque’s advisors and Newcastle officials.

However, with both sides determined to keep their cards close to their chest, the Spaniard’s future intentions remained unclear last night.

United have drawn up alternative plans in case Enríque does leave, but it is a measure of their determination to retain him that they have turned down the opportunity to join the race for France-born Dramé, a highly-rated 25-year-old who starred in Ligue 1 during the last campaign.

The former Paris-Saint Germain left-back was a regular for Sochaux the season just gone, performing well in a campaign that saw them finish a creditable fifth in the division.

But with United serious about their efforts to keep Enríque, they have passed on Dramé. Concerns about possible African Nations Cup commitments – which are influencing all of their moves for African internationals – also played a part.

Efforts continue to strengthen in other key areas, though.

United are still awaiting definitive developments on a number of strikers, but the chances of signing Lorient forward Kevin Gameiro appear to have dimmed after a very public reaffirmation of his desire to move to Spain yesterday.

At a press conference for the French national side, the striker – the subject of a £10million bid from Newcastle that was accepted last week – said: “I will decide on my future in one or two weeks. I already have an idea.