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Newcastle United want Hugo Ekitike and Reims president admits he will leave - report
Newcastle United have a clear run at signing Reims teenage striker Hugo Ekitike after the club president admitted he will go, The Express reports.
The Magpies wanted the 19-year-old in January but were unable to complete a deal, but following comments from Reims chief Jean-Pierre Caillot there looks to be no barrier this summer.
West Ham and Wolves are also reportedly interested in the French under-20 international, with the Hammers rumoured to be looking to sign him in the winter window without apparently making a firm bid.
Caillot is quoted by the Express saying: “In Hugo’s case, he would waste time staying with us.
“We refused an offer of €35 million (£29m) this winter, which is a lot of money for a club like ours.
“That money will be used to grow and improve the club. Hugo will be allowed to go, and he’s probably going to leave.
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“There wasn’t a big club that didn’t inquire for him.”
Ready to go
Unless one of the other two Premier League suitors make a move it would appear that this deal should be fairly straight forward in the summer.
Newcastle have the cash these days, but may need to move some players on to ensure they satisfy profit and sustainability rules with what is sure to be a busy window.
£30million is a lot of money for any player, but such is the premium placed on goal scorers, especially ones with age on their side and potential re-sale value, it isn’t extortionate.
The teenage forward has scored 10 goals this season in 23 appearances, with nine coming in Ligue 1.
He has also been sent off twice however, but such is the level of interest in him, he has clearly shown enough to suggest he could be a success in the Premier League.
Newcastle are still in the early stages of a controversial big-money takeover, and the turnover of players at a similar time in the evolution of Chelsea and Manchester City suggests he won’t stick around long if he doesn’t work out.
In other Newcastle United news, the club want PSG striker Arnaud Kalimuendo.