It could be all go for Hugo in next few days
NEWCASTLE could complete their protracted move for Reims striker Hugo Ekitike ‘in the next couple of days’, French sources have told The Chronicle.
The France youth international turned 20 yesterday and could mark the occasion with a move to Tyneside by joining the Magpie revolution for an initial £25.6million.
After Ekitike turned them down on the final day of the January transfer window, United appear to finally have captured their man despite interest from Borussia Dortmund and West Ham.
The total package could amount to close to £30million once add-ons are factored in, with Newcastle set to sign a man who was the top teenage goalscorer in Europe’s top five leagues last season.
Ekitike score 11 goals in 26 games in all competitions last season, his first full campaign in the French top flight.
Newcastle are also pushing to complete a deal with Lille for centre-back Sven Botman, who has returned from holiday.
However, Italian champions AC Milan also want the Dutch defender and the player was interested in joining the Serie A side earlier this year.
The seven-time European Cup winners are waiting for a takeover to go through, which has delayed their efforts to land the 22-year-old.
It leaves United in limbo but they will not pursue a different target until Botman’s camp tell the Magpies hierarchy he will not be moving to the North East.
United have been offered a host of Botman alternatives but are trying to stick to a clear recruitment plan after months of whittling down their shortlist.
The addition of Matt Targett has allowed head coach Eddie Howe to at least move on from a chase for other targets at left-back.
The other name on the list for United is England goalkeeper Nick Pope but relegated Burnley are demanding a huge transfer fee.
That figure was as high as £40million for a player with just one year left on his deal. West Ham and Southampton have both also been credited with an interest.