Sheth says Newcastle are getting close to agreeing fee for £25m star

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle are only a small amount away from reaching an agreement with Stade Reims for Hugo Ekitike, according to Sky Sports‘ Dharmesh Sheth.

The Magpies are closing in on signing number two of the window. Chris Wood is looking set to join Kieran Trippier in heading through the St James’ Park door this month.

And it may not be too long before signing number three follows. They have been heavily linked with Ekitike this month.

It has previously been reported that Reims would ideally like for the 19-year-old to be loaned back for the rest of the season. He has scored eight goals in Ligue 1 this season.

However, Sheth has suggested that Eddie Howe is looking to have Ekitike make an impact for Newcastle this season. He added that the two clubs are close to reaching an agreement over a deal for the £25 million-rated teenager.

“As it stands there’s still a small gap in the valuation between what Newcastle want to pay and what Reims want. Significantly the player does want to come to Newcastle,” he told Sky Sports.

“There were reports that if he was to make the move Reims would want him back on loan, [but] I’m told that if he was to sign, such is his ability and how highly he’s rated, that he would go into the squad for this season.”

Newcastle putting relegation rivals on notice as Hugo Ekitike deal edges closer

On paper, Newcastle are in trouble. They are 19th in the table, having won one game all season. And they have taken one point from their last four league games. They are also licking their wounds after an embarrassing FA Cup upset this month.

But the sides around the Magpies would have always known that Howe’s men could prove to be the wildcards in the battle to beat the drop. They have the means to improve their squad significantly this month.

The likes of Trippier and Wood look to be smart signings in different ways. But a deal for Ekitike has the potential to be a game-changer.

He has only started 10 times in the top-flight this term. He averages a goal every 108 minutes. And he is only going to get better.

Players such as Trippier and Wood may have a bigger impact on Newcastle’s push to stay up this season. But Ekitike is a player who could define the next era for the Magpies.