Some interesting quotes have emerged over the past 24 hours from Sven Botman and Jean-Pierre Caillot – the Reims President who could sanction Hugo Ekitike’s potential move to St James’ Park.
Starting with the Frenchman, Caillot has all but confirmed that we have submitted a suitable offer for the 19-year-old striker, however his comments suggest it is now up to the player’s advisors to conclude a deal.
This fits in with what The Mail’s Craig Hope reported earlier today, with him stating that ‘agent fees’ may be the final hurdle after others claimed a fee had been agreed with Reims and personal terms sorted with Ekitike himself.
As for Botman, he has confirmed that Newcastle and AC Milan are showing interest, stating that ‘talks are ongoing’ and revealing his desire to take a ‘step forward’ in his career. The Lille centre-back also talked up the importance of playing in a ‘good competition’ and for a club he has a ‘very good feeling about’, hoping that a decision on his future would be coming ‘soon.’
Starting with Ekitike, here’s what Caillot told France Bleu; who began the interview with a question on the ‘concrete’ offers Reims have received so far…
Q – “Let’s talk about the Hugo Ekitike file, we read and hear a lot. Just one question: do you have, as we speak one or more concrete and written offers for the player?”
A – “Yes. Today, it is very concrete.
“And on the table there is one that suits us very well.
“An offer which, in my view, is sportingly interesting for the player and it is now up to him to make his choice, it is not for me to do so.
“From now on, it is his advisers who must move forward on this file.
“And if at the time of speaking this is not done, it is because his advisers have not yet wished to move forward with this club.”
Q – “What club is it?”
A – “We remain discreet but hey… it’s an English club so we understood which club we’re talking about… (smiles).”
Q – “Quite frankly, did you expect to see Hugo Ekitike reach this level very quickly and emerge so quickly in Ligue 1?”
A – “It’s been years since (Reims Sporting Director) Mathieu Lacour told me that we had a nugget in store.
“Where I was surprised, like all supporters, was how quickly he emerged.
“So it’s true, he was helped by the context because in fact he was 4th striker in the hierarchy and then the injury game also meant that he was able to show all his qualities.
“It also makes me smile today, because it sometimes seems that it would be the end of the Stade de Reims if he (Hugo Ekitike) were to leave us when a year ago, 90% of the people (supporters) did not know him.”
Based on the news that’s emerged over the past 48 hours, I think we can safely say this ‘English club’ is Newcastle United!
As for Botman, here’s what the defender told Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad when asked about links with Newcastle and AC Milan:
“Milan and Newcastle? Those clubs are interested, yes.
“I can’t and won’t say much more about it.
“There are talks ongoing.
“I won’t go into all details but it’s well underway.
“What I want is to take a step forward and play a good competition, I can’t wait.
“I am aware of what I want. That is not necessarily to that club or that competition.
“You weigh all kinds of things and then the total picture has to suit you. I must have a very good feeling about it.
“I do hope that the transfer for the new season is completed soon”
That’s a lot of Cat Treats!
Ian Cusack(Quote)