Report: Newcastle close to first summer signing, loan-to-buy for £33m man all but agreed

By Lee Connor

Newcastle United are getting their transfer business done early and believe they are close to signing Hugo Ekitike from Reims, according to 90Min.

Ekitike was one of the most talked about names during January as Newcastle pushed for a deal for the striker, only to see things fall apart late in the day. However, their interest has been maintained and Ekitike remains a player high on Eddie Howe’s wanted list.

And according to 90Min, Newcastle believe they aren’t far from getting a deal done for the young striker. It’s claimed a loan to buy deal could be done for Ekitike, which would, in turn, keep Newcastle within financial fair play regulations and give them more scope for further deals.

Ekitike is valued around the £33m mark by Reims and has been branded a ‘very special’ talent in the past. The young striker has scored nine goals in 22 this season, adding fuel to the fire that he really is one to watch from France.

Newcastle are expected to be busy this summer, albeit the spending is not expected to be as big as some might have predicted when PIF took over.

TBR’s View: Hugo Ekitike To Newcastle Is Great Start For Eddie Howe

If the Toon can get this deal done quickly then it will not only be a big early boost for Eddie Howe ahead of next season, but will send a message to the rest of the league that they mean business.

Newcastle did well in January to sign some good players. The next step is to add further talent who improve the first XI and squad depth. Ektitike does that, while also providing the club with a huge talent for the future.

The loan to buy option is sensible, too. It gives Newcastle wiggle room, and means even more players could arrive this summer.