According to 90min, Newcastle are closing in on the signing of Stade Reims striker Hugo Ekitike.
Graeme Bailey reports that the 19-year-old – who almost completed a deadline day move to Tyneside in January – has attracted interest from the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Wolves and West Ham, however a deal to bring him to St James’ Park is now thought to be ‘close.’
Interestingly, the same piece states that the deal could be a loan that includes an obligation to buy at the end of the 2022/23 season, giving us the freedom to spend in other areas this summer but also guaranteeing Reims a hefty payout next summer.
90min also report that Eddie Howe is hoping to finalise moves for Matt Targett and Jesse Lingard.
The Aston Villa loanee is believed to be keen on a permanent move to St James’ Park – despite rival interest from Leicester, Leeds and Wolves – and could sign for £15m.
As for Lingard, Bailey claims that a move to St James’ Park ‘appeals’ to the soon-to-be free agent. It’s believed we’ve already offered terms that are ‘significantly’ better than West Ham’s proposal, however Atletico Madrid and AC Milan are also in the running.
15m for transfer fees on those three for the 2022/23 season would be a very shrewd move. The space it would give us to spend in other areas could be crucial.
Kevin(Quote)
Please not lingers … he is not what we need
Mike(Quote)