Sources: West Ham United and Newcastle United interested in highly-rated Ligue 1 star

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• EXCLUSIVES from Graeme Bailey

West Ham United and Newcastle United are showing interest in Paris Saint-Germain’s highly-rated forward, Hugo Ekitike, HITC Football understands.

The likes of Crystal Palace, Fulham and Wolves are also keen on the 21-year-old during the January transfer window.

HITC Football understands that Eintracht Frankfurt, who failed to land him in the summer, again showed an interest this month before moving for Wolves’ Sasa Kalajdzic – but they were again told he wants to move to England, with Paris Saint-Germain confirming to the player he can leave on loan.

Hugo Ekitike to West Ham

For many, many years. That number nine has proven to be a problem area for West Ham, regardless of who is in charge.

Of course, with the Hammers being forced into a replay after their 1-1 draw against Bristol City in the FA Cup on Sunday doesn’t help matters, nor does the cameo appearance from the out-of-form Danny Inge.

But if West Ham can bring in a player like Hugo Ekitike, then it would be a huge step in the right direction because he is a player of immense ability.

First of all, he would be coming in on loan, so if things go south, then he will just end up back in Paris.

But if he works his magic, and he has wonderful ball-carrying ability, then they know there is something for them to perhaps push for in the future.

Either way, the Hammers need some much-needed light in the final third and Hugo Ekitike, who has only played eight minutes of football, could be their answer because there is too much pressure on Jarrod Bowen.

Hugo Ekitike to Newcastle United

The young French star has popped up on Newcastle’s radar before and that interest is still on the table.

Eddie Howe’s side have been hit with a number of injuries this season, with Callum Wilson currently on the sidelines.

If there was a chance of the Magpies bringing in Ekitike on a permanent basis, then you would imagine he would be a player worth pushing for.

This is a long-term project for Newcastle, and so far, they are ahead of schedule after their Champions League finish last time out.

But as they proved with the deals for the likes of Sven Botman and Alexander Isak, they have a very good eye on the market and there is clearly something pretty special they see in Ekitike.