Just four months ago, Newcastle United splashed out £25million to bolster their attacking ranks. Chris Wood arrived from Burnley to help the Magpies at their darkest hour, with Eddie Howe’s men two points adrift from safety despite playing one game more than 17th-placed Watford.
However, despite only 140 days passing since the Kiwi’s arrival, the thought of Newcastle splashing in excess of £25million on a striker seems unprecedented. ChronicleLive understands Toon chiefs are in “advanced talks” to sign Reims striker Hugo Ekitke. A deadline-day move for the 19-year-old broke down amid concerns over the Magpies’ precarious league position and the youngster’s unwillingness to leave his boyhood club.
The French wonderkid has enjoyed a stellar breakout season in Ligue 1. Despite playing in a side that finished 12th, Ekitike bagged 10 goals in his debut campaign as a first-team player. That tally would have been more had he not suffered a hamstring injury just weeks after a move to Newcastle fell through.
