Newcastle United are working on a club-record deal to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.
The Magpies are hoping it is third time lucky when it comes to Ekitike after he twice turned down a move to St James’ Park in 2022 before joining Paris Saint-Germain.
After just one season in Paris, Ekitike fell out with head coach Luis Enrique and later moved to Frankfurt, initially on loan before completing a permanent transfer last summer. And the 23-year-old has gone to flourish in Germany, scoring 22 goals and providing 12 assists last season.
Liverpool and Manchester United have shown interest in Ekitike but Newcastle are leading the chase after opening talks with Frankfurt and the player’s representatives.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Eddie Howe’s side have submitted a bid in excess of £60m. An agreement, if reached, will go above the £63million paid for Alexander Isak in August 2022.
Should Ekitike sign, he’ll replace Callum Wilson, who has left the club following the expiry of his contract. The plan is for the Frenchman to rotate and play alongside Isak rather than replace the Swede, who has been linked with Liverpool.
Newcastle have already completed the £55m signing of Anthony Elanga and will aim for more additions regardless of what happens with Ekitike.
Just for fun, we take a look at Newcastle’s dream XI for their Premier League opener away to Aston Villa on Saturday, August 16.
1. GK: Nick Pope
Newcastle want Pope to stay, regardless of whether another goalkeeper arrives which, at the moment, looks unlikely anyway. | Getty Images
2. RB: Tino Livramento
Manchester City have shown interest in Livramento but the 22-year-old is going nowhere. Too important and, even by Man City’s standards, too expensive. | Getty Images
3. CB: Fabian Schar
Newcastle are in the market for a right-sided defender but nothing is thought to be close, meaning Schar stays at first choice. | Getty Images
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4. CB: Sven Botman
Botman was instrumental during his first season at St James’ Park but the last two have been dominated by knee issues. If Botman can put those troubles behind him then there’s no doubt he walks into Howe’s best XI. | Getty Images