Your Newcastle United transfer round-up for Thursday, June 2.
Ekitike 'close'
Various outlets are reporting that Newcastle and Reims are 'close' to completing a deal for Hugo Ekitke. A last-minute attempt to sign the 19-year-old striker fell through in January - despite a £35million fee being agreed.
Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted: "Newcastle are now getting closer to sign Hugo Ekitike from Reims after Deadline Day twist in January. Talks progressing between clubs, as per @Santi_J_FM. Been told final fee could be close to €30m plus €5m add-ons. Newcastle have been leading the race for weeks."
Bailey on Botman
Journalist Graeme Bailey claims Newcastle have “a real chance” of signing Sven Botman. The Magpies failed in their pursuit of the Lille defender in January but guaranteed Premier League football next season has reignited interest.
Speaking to the Talking Transfers podcast, Bailey believes Newcastle have a genuine chance of getting their man. He said: “Botman’s agents have gone out there and said to all interested parties, ‘look, this deal isn’t done, you can still get him’ and Newcastle, being a player they love, their interest has emerged again and this has got a real chance of happening. Newcastle love Botman.”
Magpies learn Pedro price
Joao Pedro will cost Newcastle £34million this summer, according to Brazilian outlet UOL. A fire sale will likely commence at Watford following relegation to the Championship, with the forward - who bagged a late equaliser at St James’ park in January - considered one of their prized assets.
The piece suggests Benfica and West Ham are also vying for the 20-year-old’s signature. Pedro has established himself as a fans’ favourite at Vicarage Road but will unlikely fancy Championship football. However, with just three goals to his name last season, it remains to be seen whether he fits the bill for Newcastle.
NUFC in ‘pole position’
United are front runners to sign Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, according to Italian outlet Corriere Dello Sport. Max Allegri is planning on rebuilding his squad and the Frenchman - formerly of PSG - could be offloaded with just one year left on his current deal.
The report claims Rabiot is available for a cut-price £13million and Chelsea are also interested. At 27-years-old, his best days are still ahead of him and the prospect of Rabiot and Bruno Guimaraes operating as a midfield two would surely excite Newcastle fans.
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