Newcastle ‘still fully’ in picture to sign January target – Player flattered by Magpies interest

Reims star Hugo Ekitike has been regularly linked to Newcastle United in this calendar year.

At the weekend, L’Equipe interviewed the striker and quizzed him about the reports of the Tyneside club wanting to sign him this summer.

In response to that, the 19-year-old labelled Newcastle United as a “great club” and also said he smiles whenever his name is associated with the Magpies.

The youngster scored in his side’s 3-2 defeat against OGC Nice and before the tie, he opened the door for a move elsewhere this summer.

“I consider myself ready for anything. Whether it’s staying here or taking on a challenge that everyone agrees on. I imagine the eventful summer! I think people will show interest in me. For my part, I will be quiet, because I am surrounded by the right people to manage this,” Ekitike said.

Foot Mercato have relayed his comments and they point out he was on the verge of joining Newcastle United in January after they made a €45m offer. However, the deal ‘fell apart at the last minute’.

Eddie Howe’s side are tagged as they are ‘still fully on the case’ for the summer window, just like Inter Milan, Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.

Paris Saint-Germain now have a ‘head start’ in the chase as their incoming chief, Lucas Campos, has taken the matter into his own hands. It’s said the Ligue 1 winners could make an offer of around €45m for Ekitike.

If Newcastle want to get ahead of PSG to sign the France U20 international, they will have to step up their efforts soon.