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.
1. Amine Gouiri (Nice)
The highly-rated Nice forward is said to be on United’s radar as they continue working their way through a list of targets. The forward has 10 goals in 21 appearances for France Under-21s and is rated at over £30million.
2. Arnaud Kalimuendo (PSG)
The PSG forward has just returned to the Ligue 1 champions after a productive loan spell at league rivals Lens. Kalimuendo is said to be one of a number of players that will leave the club this summer and Leeds and Newcastle are believed to be among his admirers. Photo: Getty Images
3. Alan Virginius (Sochaux)
The Sochaux youngster has been linked with a move to Tyneside as he enters the final year of his current deal with the Ligue 2 club. The 19-year-old could produce a more cost-effective deal for the Magpies as a result. Photo: Getty Images
4. Benjamin Sesko (RB Salzburg)
The Slovenian youngster was the subject of speculation recently after his agent shared images of himself on Tyneside. United are aware of the talented forward but an official approach is yet to be made. Photo: Martin Rose