Newcastle United ‘retain interest’ in Hugo Ekitike - as things go from bad to worse at Paris Saint-Germain

Newcastle United remain keen on a move for Paris Saint-Germain forward Hugo Ekitike - according to reports in France.

The youngster was a confirmed target for the Magpies during their first transfer window under the ownership of a PIF-led consortium in January 2022 - but opted to remain with former club Reims despite a deadline day move to Tyneside looking like a distinct possibility. There was a further snub for United last summer when they made a further move for Ekitike, only for the forward to opt to join PSG on a season-long loan, with a permanent move to the French capital to come at the end of the campaign.

Speaking after making the move, the France Under-21 international said: "It is the choice of the heart! I’m French too, it’s the club of my homeland, of my country. And then it’s a club where the greatest players evolve, where there is a quality and experienced staff, the desire to win all the titles in all competitions.

“There is everything here for me to progress. All the ingredients are there, so it’s a logical choice for me to be here. Finally, I myself have family in the Paris region, and I have always followed Paris Saint-Germain. All this made my desire to join this club very natural. It’s the right choice for me to be here.”

However, Ekitike’s decision to move to the Parc des Princes has failed to pay off for player and club after the 20-year-old making just 10 starts in all competitions, scoring four goals and providing three assists. The forward has been criticised in several quarters for his attitude and there have been recent reports suggesting he will be allowed to leave the reigning Ligue 1 champions this summer.

Ekitike appeared to show his displeasure with his current situation at the club when he changed his Instagram bio to ‘Sub 44’, although a friend later suggested it was support for an upcoming project, rather than a dig at PSG over his limited opportunties this season.

FootMercato have suggested Ekitike wishes to remain at the club when his season-long loan deal is converted into a permanent move this summer - but L’Equipe have now reported the forward will be allowed to leave PSG at the end of the campaign and stated the French giants may favour a loan deal with a purchase option. Newcastle are one of several clubs from around Europe that are said to remain interested in a move for the young forward, who has snubbed interest from the Magpies on two occasions in the last three transfer windows.