Manager Alan Pardew has admitted that Newcastle United's hopes of signing Loic Remy on a permanent basis are decreasing as the French forward continues to display fine form in front of goal.

Remy, who is currently on loan at St James' Park from Queens Park Rangers, found the net for the 12th time in 22 games on Sunday to give the Magpies a 1-0 win over Aston Villa.

After the game, when asked if every additional strike takes the forward further from his grasp, Pardew told reporters: "I think that's fairly obvious."

Remy is expected to leave QPR in the summer, but Newcastle are likely to face stiff competition for his signature, with Arsenal reportedly keen on the 27-year-old.

"He is going to be hot property. He is going to get a lot of press tomorrow and I am going to leave him out of the next 11 [games]," Pardew jokingly added.

Remy has been capped 21 times by France at senior international level.