Newcastle United held fresh talks with Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims this week in a last-ditch bid to sign striker Hugo Ekitike ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline, according to 90min.
The Toon have extensively targeted the 19-year-old during the January sales as boss Eddie Howe seeks attacking reinforcements. Numerous meetings have also taken place between the St James’ Park and Stade Auguste Delaune natives over a potential deal.
But Newcastle have struggled to submit an offer Reims President Jean-Pierre Caillot deems acceptable for his rising star. The rouges et blancs chief confirmed to Le Quotidien du Sport earlier this month that the Magpies lodged a €35m (£29m) bid, including potential add-ons.
“Newcastle positioned itself, we discussed, they made a proposal which does not suit us.” he said. “As we don’t necessarily want to see him leave, we have set the bar quite high.
“They offered us €35m in total, but with many bonuses, some of which were almost impossible to achieve. Like for example, winning the Champions League.”
Caillot will sell Ekitike to Newcastle for €30m (£25m) plus €10m (£8.5m) in ‘realisable’ add-ons, and talks have remained ongoing this week over a potential last-ditch transfer. Figures at the Stade Auguste Delaune also refuse to rule out the teen star leaving before Monday.
Newcastle can close gap to seal late Ekitike transfer for Stade de Reims
Newcastle can close the gap in valuations so Ekitike joins from Stade de Reims before next Monday’s transfer deadline. But Caillot’s demand for ‘realisable’ add-ons likely represents the bigger challenge, with the Toon suggesting Champions League titles at first.
The Magpies also face Premier League competition, with Le10 Sport reporting West Ham bid €25m (£21m). Yet the Hammers improved bid included add-ons, so they are some way away from Caillot’s valuation. The Irons initially offered €15m (£12.5m) for the forward.
Caillot will not want to short-change his valuation in the final days of the market. The teen sensation has scored eight Ligue 1 goals in 18 games so far this season, plus three assists. Boss Oscar Garcia also hails the forward, via the Ligue 1 website, as a ‘very special’ talent.
Ekitike has impressed Garcia thanks to the 6 ft 2 gem’s footwork and hard work in training. He is also still very young, so has lots of time to polish the rough edges to his aerial game.
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