Deal decision close on key Newcastle United window targets amid transfer twist rumours

Newcastle United continue to hold firm in their pursuit of key summer transfer targets Hugo Ekitike and Sven Botman.

However, decision day is nearing for the France and Netherlands youth internationals.

The Magpies are keen to add both players to their squad for next season, but will not wait forever, with Eddie Howe keen to see progress on incomings this month.

United return from pre-season training on Friday, July 1 and Howe is desperate to have the majority of his incoming business done by the time the players are back at Benton next month.

While Howe is a realist, and has an acceptance that doing all of his business this month is unlikely, he does still hope to welcome more new faces than just Matt Targett, a £12million permanent signing from Aston Villa.

The deal to land Ekitike is, at this stage, the most advanced, with a broad agreement in place for the £25million transfer of the frontman to Tyneside.

The player’s injury record is not thought to be an issue with a recent hamstring scare on international duty not understood to have any impact on the potential deal.

Progress on Ekitike is hoped for this week - and that could also be the case on Botman, too.

The player’s representatives have been in negotiations with United since January and while they have made positive noises about a move to St James’ Park in the past, they are keeping their cards close to their chest this summer amid continued interest from Serie A champions AC Milan.

The Rossoneri can offer Champions League football next season and remain in the driving seat to strike a deal at present, although it is understood neither United nor Milan have yet come to an agreement on a transfer fee for the 22-year-old with Lille.

The French outfit are understood to value the player at around £35million, with reports suggesting they have upped their demands in recent days.