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.
9. LM: Anthony Gordon
He had a tough end to the campaign but it was only last year Gordon was named Newcastle’s player of the year. | Getty Images
10. ST: Yoane Wissa
Newcastle remain in talks with Brentford as discussions centre around a £35m package. The plan is for Wissa to support Alexander Isak or someone else if the Swede departs. | Getty Images
11. ST: Benjamin Sesko
If Isak does depart for Liverpool or another team for that matter, Sesko is rumoured to be the man NUFC will target. The Slovenia reportedly has a £60m to £69m 'gentleman's agreement' to leave the German club. | Getty Images