‘It’s advanced’ - Newcastle United close to Hugo Ekitike transfer breakthrough as 'significant progress' made

Eintracht Frankfurt are reportedly expecting an improved offer from Newcastle United as “significant progress” has been made to sign Hugo Ekitike.

NewcastleWorld understands an opening bid worth around £69million was rejected yesterday. Frankfurt are known as tough negotiators and have a €100million release clause in his contract.

Any figure close to that ballpark would result in a huge profit made on a player signed for just £14million last summer. Toon chiefs have met Frankfurt officials in Austria and Germany to discuss a move.

The fear among Newcastle circles on social media is that any move for Ekitike would leave Alexander Isak vulnerable to an approach from Liverpool. However, it is also understood that the Magpies want both forwards at St James' Park next season.

Isak currently has three years remaining on his contract and Newcastle’s preference is to tie him down further. Talks were paused earlier this year as the Magpies focused on the Carabao Cup and Champions League qualification.

Liverpool enquired about Isak’s services but were swiftly told he was not for sale this summer. As for Ekitike, Newcastle appear to have made progress and Sky Sports Germany claim a deal is advanced.

“Newcastle have made significant progress in talks with Hugo Ekitike,” reporter Florian Plettenberg posted on social media. “It’s advanced. Frankfurt are expecting a second offer from Newcastle.”

Any deal would shatter the club-record £63million paid to Real Sociedad for Isak in 2022. The Magpies failed to sign Ekitike twice early into the Saudi-backed era at St James’ Park but the club’s pull has grown significantly in recent years.

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