Newcastle United close to agreeing deal for first summer signing

A deal for Reims star Hugo Ekitike is edging closer - with Newcastle United confident of winning the race for the 19-year-old.

The Magpies attempted to sign the striker in January but Ekitike decided against a mid-season move, instead preferring to wait until the summer.

United’s interest has never faded and sources in France now claim a full agreement for Ekitike is close to being reached.

Ekitike is regarded as one of Europe’s most exciting teenagers and has attracted interest from German giants Borussia Dortmund.

His pace, power and style of play has led to inevitable early comparisons to Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe and former France international David Trezeguet.

Ekitike scored 10 goals in 24 Ligue 1 appearances last term, despite being ruled with a hamstring injury between February and May.

The forward is currently competing in the Maurice Revello tournament with France under-20s, who beat Saudi Arabia 5-0 on Wednesday. Next up, Les Bleus face Argentina on Saturday.

Asked about Newcastle’s interest in January, Ekitike said told L’Equipe last month: “I have a lot of respect for that big club but it was all happening very quickly, the timing wasn’t right.

“It was better to stay here, to play a full season, to establish myself.”

A deal for Ekitike would likely be Newcastle’s first signing of a very busy summer under their new ambitious owners.