Newcastle United are not close to signing Hugo Ekitike despite Stade de Reims accepting their proposal.
Paris Saint-Germain have come forward as one of the contenders for the 20-year-old. Three days ago, L’Equipe reported Antero Henrique, who is back in Paris, met the player’s camp to gauge the progress on his potential move to the Tyneside club.
This claim is relayed in Saturday’s edition of the same newspaper and they provide more updates on the forward’s situation.
L’Equipe explain PSG advisor Luis Campos views the France U20 international as a market opportunity.
They add the Ligue 1 winners’ meeting with Ekitike’s representatives a few days ago was done to measure his interest in joining them and also ‘ensure he has not already agreed’ a deal with Newcastle.
Christophe Galtier’s side came out of the meeting with the conviction they can sign him this summer, especially after they found out the player isn’t keen on Newcastle United.
The Frenchman believes the option to move to Parc des Princes cannot be missed. Therefore, it won’t be difficult for the Paris club to to agree personal terms with him.
With Newcastle already making a €40m bid to Reims, Campos ‘does not want to fuel the speculative bubble created’ by Eddie Howe’s side.
PSG don’t intend to rush, as L’Equipe add it’s hard to imagine them paying in excess of €30m for Ekitike.
