Newcastle United could challenge West Ham for key transfer target while Magpies ‘eye’ £50m swoop

Newcastle United remain keen on January transfer target Hugo Ekitike - but face competition from several clubs around Europe.
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The Magpies had an offer accepted for the Reims youngster on the final day of the winter transfer window and looked set to add him to their squad.

But Ekitike had second thoughts and opted against a move to Tyneside, citing concerns over Newcastle’s battle against relegation from the Premier League.

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Eddie Howe’s side all but secured their top-flight status with a 2-1 win against Leicester City on Sunday and are now focusing on strengthening their squad during the summer.

French outlet But! Football Club have reported the Magpies will make another play to add Ekitike to their ranks - but Premier League rivals Spurs, Arsenal and West Ham United are also keen on the young forward.

PSG are also monitoring his situation as they look to keep him in France and Borussia Dortmund are also interested in taking the youngster to the Bundesliga.

The youngster has impressed in Ligue 1 with ten goals and four assists from his 24 appearances this season.

Magpies compete with Premier League rivals for England star

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Newcastle’s bid to improve their forward options has led to an interest in Everton and England striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin according to the Daily Mirror.

However, the Magpies will face serious competition from Arsenal, who are set to lose two strikers this summer with Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette approaching the final months of their current contracts.

The report suggests both Premier League clubs have lodged an enquiry for the England striker but could be met with a demand of around £50million.

Bundesliga free agent on Magpies radar

Hoffenheim midfielder Florian Grillitsch is set to leave the Bundesliga club when his contract comes to an end this summer.

Leeds United are monitoring Hoffenheim midfielder Florian Grillitsch ahead of a possible move. The 26-year-old - whose contract expires this summer - shares the same agent as Patrick Bamford, Dan James and Luke Ayling. (The Telegraph)Leeds United are monitoring Hoffenheim midfielder Florian Grillitsch ahead of a possible move. The 26-year-old - whose contract expires this summer - shares the same agent as Patrick Bamford, Dan James and Luke Ayling. (The Telegraph)
Leeds United are monitoring Hoffenheim midfielder Florian Grillitsch ahead of a possible move. The 26-year-old - whose contract expires this summer - shares the same agent as Patrick Bamford, Dan James and Luke Ayling. (The Telegraph)
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The Austrian international has been a consistent feature of Die Kraichgauer’s midfield over the last five-year stay in Germany.

That has led to interest from several clubs according to the Daily Mail, with Newcastle mentioned amongst those keen on acquiring the player during the close-season.

They are far from alone in showing an interest in the 26-year-old as Arsenal, Everton, Leeds United and West Ham United are also keen to take him to the Premier League.

Bayern Munich hand a boost to Newcastle in defender hunt

Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have reportedly given Newcastle a big boost in their bid to strengthen their defence this summer.

Nico Schlotterbeck of SC Freiburg (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)Nico Schlotterbeck of SC Freiburg (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Nico Schlotterbeck of SC Freiburg (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
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Bild have reported Bayern have pulled out of the race to sign highly-rated Freiburg centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck in the hope of signing a more experienced defender.

The 22-year-old has been one of the most consistent defenders in Germany’s top tier throughout the season and has drawn interest from Newcastle and Premier League rivals Spurs.

One major road block has now been removed with Bayern’s withdrawal from the race - leaving the Premier League sides to battle it out for the £40m rated centre-back.