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Newcastle United will again attempt to sign Hugo Ekitike this summer - report
Newcastle United are set to revisit the failed January transfer for Hugo Ekitike in the summer, according to the Northern Echo.
The Magpies thought they had their man in the winter transfer window, having agreed a deal with his club Reims, but the teenager changed his mind on leaving.
Injury has since kept him out for the majority of the second part of the season, but that has not put Newcastle off returning for his signature at the end of the season.
The Echo report says: “Ekitike remains a leading target, with Newcastle’s recruitment hierarchy still convinced the youngster can be a major success in the Premier League.
“His reluctance to move in January will not prevent the Magpies making another move this summer, for a similar price to the one that was agreed at the start of the year, and all the indications are that Reims are ready to sell as they look certain to miss out on European qualification.”
The price in question is reportedly £25million with a further £8million in potential add-ons.
Firepower
Unless it was a specific reticence to move to St James’ Park that stopped the 19-year-old’s transfer on deadline day the club should be in a good position to complete this move at the second attempt.
Reims president Jean-Pierre Caillot is expecting the striker to leave and Newcastle already got as far as organising a medical for him so only have to reintroduce the previously agreed terms.
Various reports suggest interest from elsewhere in the Premier League, as well as from Bundesliga giants, so it may not be a completely done deal yet.
If there is to be a race for him though, the Magpies have had a head-start.
Chris Wood’s emergence as the original striking reinforcements following the Saudi take-over never felt like it was going to be a long-term solution for a club with lofty ambitions.
And with Callum Wilson’s fitness an ongoing concern, it is clear to see why there is such interest in adding the Ligue 1 teenager who has scored 10 goals this year, in his breakout campaign.
In other Newcastle United news, the club are reportedly interested from another striker in the French top flight.