Towards the end of the January transfer window, we saw several reports regarding Newcastle United’s attempt for the signing of Stade Reims youngster Hugo Ekitike.
Recent claims have been saying the Magpies got very close on reaching a deal with the French side, but failed to convince the player, who wasn’t seduced by the move.
Now as the Italian media joins the conversation, it’s claimed there should be a much bigger race for the striker in the summer window.
Calciomercato.it features a story pointing out that Newcastle failed to land Ekitike in January, and says the ‘big names in Europe’ are now about to compete for his transfer in the coming months.
It’s said the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Milan and Paris Saint Germain are all set to fight for the ‘French phenomenon’, as he’s now ‘in the crosshairs’ of all those clubs.
The report claims Newcastle attempted to sign the striker with an offer of between €25m and €30m, although most in France believe it was closer to €40m, which wasn’t enough.
Now bigger amounts are expected in this new summer battle for his move, with the Magpies likely to still be among his suitors.