Fresh report hints at ‘positive’ Newcastle United progress on £25m summer transfer

Newcastle United have reportedly held more positive talks with Reims star Hugo Ekitike as they look to close out a deal for the 19-year-old.

Reims president Jean-Pierre Caillot hinted last week the transfer hinged on the Magpies reaching an agreement with Ekitike and his representatives.

He told France Bleu: “On the table, there is one that suits us very well. An offer which, in my view, is sportingly interesting for the player and it is now up to him to make his choice, it is not for me to do so.

“From now on, it is his advisers who must move forward on this file. And if at the time of speaking this is not done, it is because his advisers have not yet wished to move forward with this club.”

NewcastleWorld understands agent fees are a big part of discussions but United remain confident that will be ironed out and that a deal will be completed.

And latest reports from Sky Sports suggest talks are progressing, with Ekitike set to sign a five-year deal should the transfer happen. The fee is rumoured to be around £25million, likely to be a payment up front and the rest in add-ons.

Newcastle attempted to sign the striker in January but Ekitike didn’t feel it was the right to leave Reims mid-season.

The interest from Eddie Howe’s side never faded and they’ve acted quickly this summer to try and get in ahead of the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain.

Ekitike has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting teenagers, drawing early comparisons to PSG star Kylian Mbappe and former striker David Trezeguet.

Ekitike is currently representing France U20s at the Toulon Tournament, where he faces Santiago Munoz’s Mexico on Thursday for a place in the final.