Newcastle United are expected to sign January target Hugo Ekitike when the transfer window reopens this summer alongside another striker, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
Backed by the world’s richest club owners, Newcastle are set for a busy summer of change although a recent report from The Telegraph did hint that the St. James’ Park club would only have £90m to spend when the window opens.
Nevertheless, Stade Reims striker Ekitike is still thought to be on their radar after coming ‘very close’ to landing the 19-year-old in January.
According to Sky Sports, Newcastle had a £33m bid accepted for the 19-year-old by Reims only for late interest from Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain meant the player stayed put.
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90 Football (via Get French Football News) claim that European heavyweights Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Juventus and Sevilla have all joined the race to sign the teenager but Jones is still expecting him to rock up on Tyneside.
He told GIVEMESPORT
“Ekitike is still going to be a guy that probably comes in and one other. That is the one position where he (Eddie Howe) probably will look to sign an exciting name; he’s happy to do that.”
TIF Thoughts on Ekitike and Newcastle…
As Newcastle fan journalist Liam Kennedy pointed out it has been very easy for Premier League defenders to mark centre-forward Chris Wood, who did arrive in the winter, due to his lack of running in behind and the return to fitness of Callum Wilson has been a welcome one.
However, with Wilson’s injury history and Wood’s struggles with just two goals in 16 appearances it is clear the Magpies need someone to lead the line.
Ekitike burst onto the scene this season with eight goals and three assists in his opening 17 top-flight appearances but suspension and a persistent hamstring injury have derailed his progress.
His manager Oscar Garcia has already lavished an abundance of praise on Ekitike, calling him a ‘very special’ player, and his brilliance is highlighted by the amount of teams interested in signing him and his potential is apparent.
He could be the ideal candidate to lead the line for PIF as the new owners aim to take the club to new heights.
AND in other news, Only 26 touches: Lee Ryder slams 4/10 NUFC ace who lost the ball 6 times