Nine young forwards Newcastle United could sign after Hugo Ekitike transfer blow

Newcastle United’s search to add some pace and youth to their forward line rolls on after key target Hugo Ekitike completed a loan move to Paris Saint Germain.

The highly-rated Reims star looked to be on his way to Tyneside on the final day of the January transfer window but pulled out of the deal at the last minute.

The Magpies were met with similar frustration this summer as Ekitike’s agents stalled the deal after United agreed a fee with the Ligue 1 club.

The 19-year-old will now compete with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi for a place in the PSG side as United work their way through a list of alternative targets.

Speaking about Ekitike, Magpies boss Eddie Howe said: “We really like Hugo as a player, there is no denying that. I won’t hide that fact.

“We tried to sign him in January and again this summer, but it wasn’t to be. He has decided to go to PSG, and there are no hard feelings towards the lad. We wish him well.

“We thought he was a real talent and he could have done a really good job for us. But that’s football, that’s the transfer window.

“They are the teams we are competing against. There is no guarantee you will get your top targets, because if you believe they’re that good then so do other clubs.”

So where could Newcastle’s recruitment team turn their attention? NewcastleWorld looks at nine possible targets to strengthen the Magpies squad ahead of the new Premier League season.