Sky journalist claims Newcastle ‘pushing’ to complete £30m signing; medical could be next week

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Newcastle United are “pushing” to bring Hugo Ekitike to St James’ Park, according to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth.

The Magpies have been in talks with the Reims striker since early June, after trying to sign him in January.

However, they are yet to strike an agreement with him and his representatives.

Agent fees appear to be delaying the deal, while other suitors are reportedly eyeing Ekitike too.

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly interested in the 19-year-old.

It’s all proving quite complicated, but on the whole, it looks as though things are going in the right direction.

Chronicle Live have claimed that the player is open to a move to Newcastle, despite snubbing a switch in January.

And Sheth, writing on GiveMeSport, suggested that Newcastle are closing in on a £30million package for Ekitike.

And while personal terms are still to be finalised, the Magpies are working hard on it, added Sheth.

“Hugo Ekitike, the Reims striker, very, very highly rated,” he wrote. “Newcastle, they do want him.

“The fee would work out to be a package worth around £30million.

“And personal terms, they’re still to be finalised as well.

“So still a bit of work to do on that one, but Newcastle do want him and they’re pushing to get that one over the line.”

And the Sky Sports newsdesk reported on Friday that personal terms are close to being agreed.

Indeed, if an agreement can be reached, Ekitike could be on Tyneside as early as next week for a medical, they claimed.

Hopefully there’ll be a breakthrough in the coming days and Ekitike joins to bolster Eddie Howe’s attacking ranks.