NEWCASTLE are close to a £36million deal to sign Reims star Hugo Ekitike until 2027, reports suggest.
According to the Daily Mail, Ekitike, 19, is set for a major U-turn after declining the Magpies’ advances in January as he thought “it wasn’t the right time” to go.
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However, the striker has been impressed by the Toon’s persistence and is now likely to snub other suitors, such as Borussia Dortmund, as he is very keen on a move to the Premier League.
The Frenchman is reportedly close to penning a lucrative five-year deal with Newcastle.
Negotiations reportedly took place on Wednesday as the two clubs tried to iron out an agreement that is expected to be worth up to £36m, including add-ons.
Reims sources claimed the Prem giants initially proposed a two-year loan worth £4m and a £26m obligation to buy in 2024.
Ekitike is considered among the most promising young centre-forwards in Europe and has attracted interest from the continent’s highest bidders, such as Dortmund.
The 19-year-old has flourished at Reims under former Watford and Brighton manager Oscar Garcia.
The France Under-20 international scored 11 goals and bagged four assists in 27 appearances across all competitions this past season.
Ekitike joined the Ligue 1 outfit’s academy at the age of 11 and was promoted to the senior side in 2020.
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The youngster had a short loan stint at Danish club Vejle a year later before getting established as a key member of Garcia’s team.
He is sure to be just one of a number of new faces heading to St James’ Park this summer.
