Newcastle United are considered to be the favourites to sign Reims striker Hugo Ekitike before the transfer deadline despite West Ham United making a bid.
That’s according to 90Min, who claim that there is still a real chance that Ekitike leaves Reims before the transfer window slams shut.
Ekitike was a hot name in the transfer market a couple of weeks ago, but everything seems to have gone a little quiet.
It’s now stated that Newcastle remain in contact with Reims over a deal for Ekitike and are favourites to sign him in the coming hours.
Newcastle did make an offer earlier this month, but Reims president Jean-Pierre Caillot indicated that the offer was unrealistic.
Whilst the deal totalled £29million, it allegedly hinged on factors like winning the Champions League in the future.
Newcastle’s pursuit seemingly went cold, but there is renewed hope that Ekitike could still end up at St James’ Park.
Ekitike, 19, has come up through the Reims ranks and is now a Ligue 1 star with eight goals and three assists in 18 games this term.
Compared to David Trezeguet and even Kylian Mbappe, Ekitike is considered to be a star of the future.
Reims boss Oscar Garcia has suggested that Ekitike is ‘very special’, seemingly predicting a huge career for the teenage striker.
You can understand why Newcastle want Ekitike. They have added one experienced Premier League striker in Chris Wood, but securing a youngster for the future would be ideal too.
Ekitike fits the bill, as he is very raw now but could learn a thing or two from Wood in the coming years.
West Ham maybe see Ekitike in a similar way too, viewing him as a player who can learn from Michail Antonio.
Le10Sport claim that West Ham’s offers were €15million (£12.5million) and €25million (£21million), with Reims seemingly seeking more.
West Ham are still keen on Ekitike, but it now appears that Newcastle are just ahead of the Hammers in the battle for his signature.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
