Major Hugo Ekitike update as Reims boss breaks silence on Newcastle United interest

Reims boss Oscar Garcia says Hugo Ekitike wants to stay at the Ligue 1 club - unless a team like Real Madrid or Barcelona come knocking.

Newcastle United have been trying to convince the player and his representatives to finalise a move to the Premier League club since January.

A transfer agreement has been in place with Reims - at the beginning of the year and now - but the Magpies have faced a number of difficulties on the 20-year-old’s side.

In January, he decided against leaving his boyhood mid-season. This summer, his agent’s demands have been a major stumbling block.

With that, it’s no surprise to hear of Newcastle’s willingness to walk away from a deal and explore other options.

And latest comments from Reims manager Garcia may finally see the Magpies give up on their six-month long pursuit of the French forward.

Garcia told RMC Sport: “He told me wanted to stay, but if there’s Real Madrid and Barcelona who come knocking… I find Hugo calm.

“I spoke with him. He will have no problem staying at the club, and neither will I.”

Ekitike’s agent has been keeping his options open amid reported interest from Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.

Eddie Howe remains keen to bolster his frontline this summer with Chelsea’s Armando Broja the latest name to be linked.