Newcastle United have set their sights on Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike as a replacement for Alexander Isak.
That’s according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri for Sky Sports Switzerland, who reports that Newcastle have already contacted the striker’s entourage about a move.
According to his information, Newcastle’s management have been in contact with Ekitike’s entourage to get initial information about his situation and terms of a possible transfer. More importantly, they wanted to gauge his interest on a possible move to Newcastle.
The ‘concrete interest’ has come as no surprise to Eintracht, who want at least €80m if they are to let the striker go.
Newcastle would be willing to spend that figure if they sell Isak this summer. The Swedish star’s sale would give them a ‘more than sufficient financial buffer’ to do the deal.
A move to England is believed to be a ‘dream destination’ for Ekitike, although he has made it a priority to join a side who have qualified for the Champions League.
Newcastle are currently sixth in the Premier League and two points outside of the top four but level on points with Manchester City in fifth. In other words, they could easily qualify for the Champions League and have the pulling power to draw Ekitike in this summer if they do.
