Newcastle United want to sign Hugo Ekitike but fear he may now be pushed elsewhere by agents involved in his future.
Newcastle are likely to be active in the summer transfer market thanks to the investment of PIF.
The Magpies enjoyed a productive January window that helped them pull well clear of the relegation zone.
Fans are now expecting another busy window as Newcastle look to push towards the top half of the table next season.
Plenty of names are already being linked but the most prominent is that of Ekitike – a player Newcastle wanted to sign in January.
Newcastle United want to sign Hugo Ekitike
Newcastle moved for Ekitike in January but couldn’t quite push through a deal on deadline day as the striker chose to stay in France.
The Magpies have retained their interest in Ekitike and recent reports have suggested that a deal is actually close.
Fabrizio Romano reported last week that Ekitike had agreed a five-year deal with Newcastle.
Foot Mercato added that a deal worth around £39.5million had been agreed, with £31million up front.
The Northern Echo claim that Ekitike has told Reims that he wants to join Newcastle, so it all sounds pretty good right?
Well, The Telegraph report that Newcastle are not only having problems with agent fees in the deal for Ekitike but also fear that he could go elsewhere.
Newcastle have ‘a suspicion’ that somebody involved in the deal on Ekitike’s side will try to leverage Newcastle’s interest and earn a move elsewhere.
That feeling must have come from somewhere and Newcastle may have sensed some concerning signs during talks.
Where else could Ekitike go?
Having emerged as one of French football’s top young talents, Ekitike won’t be short of suitors away from Newcastle.
90Min reported in February that Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United were all showing an interest in Ekitike too.
Any of those clubs could end up back in the race for Ekitike if they sense a opportunity, leaving Newcastle somewhat on edge.
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