Hugo Ekitike’s Newcastle United admission as transfer ‘close’

What Hugo Ekitike has said about Newcastle United amid latest transfer news.
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Newcastle United are close to securing the signing of Hugo Ekitike – one of Europe’s most coveted young strikers, as reported by NewcastleWorld.

A deal in the region of £36m has been tooted, with the 19-year-old telling Reims his desire to leave for the Magpies. The young striker scored 10 goals in 24 games in Ligue 1 last season.

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Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has indicated that a striker is a priority for the club this transfer window. The side has also been linked with Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Ekitike enjoyed an impressive season in France and nearly joined Newcastle in January, but the timing was not right for him to vacate the side. The Frenchman’s performances have earned admirers at Borussia Dortmund, but Newcastle seems to be his preferred destination.

Since Eddie Howe’s arrival at the club, the side saw a turn in fortunes on the pitch along with the backing from their new owners. The side finished 11th in the league, a great feat considering they were one of the favourites to be relegated at the turn of the year.

Howe will hope Etitike will be a significant signing that will help the club push on towards the European places.

What has been said?

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At the end of the season, Etitike spoke to L’Equipe and said: “I have a lot of respect for that big club (Newcastle United). However, it was all happening very quickly.

“The timing wasn’t right. It was better to stay here (with Reims), to play a full season, to establish myself.”

Evaluating his future, the player added: “I consider myself ready for anything. Whether that is staying here, or taking up a challenge that everyone agrees with (elsewhere).”

The Frenchman added: “It makes me smile because it gratifies my hard work. I know that what I’m doing on the pitch is good, it has been recognised.

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“It pushes me to give the best account of myself. I always want to progress and become the best.”

In January of this year, a deal was very nearly done by Newcastle and Reims for the player. However, on the eve of the transfer window deadline, Reims released a statement, reading: “Despite the offers made, Hugo Ekitike and the Stade de Reims have decided by mutual agreement to continue the adventure together.

“Stade de Reims, through its president Jean-Pierre Caillot, is delighted to be able to count on its striker until the end of the season.”