Hugo Ekitike ‘responds’ to Newcastle United transfer question

Hugo Ekitike could only smile when asked about a potential switch to Newcastle United this summer.

The Magpies aren’t giving up in their six-month long chase of the 20-year-old having first approached to sign him during the January transfer window.

A bid was aceepted then but Ekitike decided against leaving his hometown club mid-season.

United have wasted no time in reigniting their interest, and while Reims are prepared to let the striker move to Tyneside, a transfer continues to stall.

It is believed Ekitike and his representatives are open to approaches from other clubs - both Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain have been linked - before committing.

Ekitike has been on holiday after concluding his breakthrough campaign by winning the Toulon Tournament with France under-20s earlier this month.

But the player was spotted back in Reims on Tuesday evening and bumped into supporter Willy Carpaye, who posted a selfie with Ekitike on Twitter.

The post prompted a strong response from Newcastle, to which Carpaye later tweeted: “Hugo is fine. “I assure you! No injury!

“So, it’s ok to score even more next season. But where ? I asked the question if he would go to Newcastle. He smiled at me!”

Ekitike, one of the most exciting young prospects in Europe, scored 11 goals in 26 games last season, despite missing a chunk of the campaign with a hamstring issue.