Hugo Ekitike is reportedly interested in a move to Newcastle United this month.
That’s according to the Daily Mail, who claim the teenage forward is intrigued by the new project at St James’ Park following last year’s £305million takeover.
The Frenchman emerged as a target at the start of the week, with Newcastle searching for a striker ahead of Saturday’s clash with Watford.
It now looks like they’ll get one, with Chris Wood reportedly on the verge of joining Eddie Howe’s side.
However, that does not mean the pursuit of Ekitike is over.
Newcastle still want Hugo Ekitike as they close in on Burnley ace
The Daily Mail state that Newcastle still want to bring in the Reims forward alongside Wood. However, the price tag appears to be an issue.
They report that the Ligue 1 side want £25million for Ekitike. However, Newcastle are reluctant to pay that much.
So what happens next? Well, either Newcastle and Reims find a compromise, or the 19-year-old won’t be coming to St James’ Park.
That would be disappointing, as Ekitike sounds like a real star of the future. He’s scored eight Ligue 1 goals this season and provided three assists. For a teenager, that’s pretty impressive. It’s more than Lionel Messi has managed, who’s only scored one league goal since his move to France.
Ekitike does have interest from elsewhere, with Tottenham, Brighton and Brentford all reportedly keen.
A move to England might be on the horizon for Ekitike, but Newcastle will need to push the boat to land him or risk him joining a Premier League rival.
Given our limited forward options, we definitely need another striker – and Ekitike seems like he could be a great fit. Here’s hoping we can agree a fee with Reims.
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