Newcastle United in pole position to sign electrifying attacker

By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

22nd Nov, 2023 | 7:00am

Sources: Door opens for Newcastle to sign Hugo Ekitike after deal previously agreed

Newcastle could sign Paris Saint-Germain striker Hugo Ekitike on loan in the January window, sources have told Football Insider.

Football Insider revealed on Sunday (19 November) that the Magpies are weighing up a return for the 21-year-old long term target.

Newcastle previously agreed a deal for Ekitike, seeing a bid of £30million including add-ons accepted by his then-club Stade de Reims in January 2022 – but the player rejected the move.

But the door has opened to a temporary move with the youngster out of favour at new club Paris Saint-Germain.

The arrivals of Randal Kolo Muani and Goncalo Ramos at Parc des Princes in the summer window have seen Ekitike frozen out by manager Luis Enrique.

He has played just eight minutes for PSG this term – a clear sign he is now surplus to requirements in the French capital.

The France Under-20 international is believed to be likely to secure a loan exit in the January window.

Newcastle will face competition for his signature from fellow Premier League clubs.

Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (21 November) that West Ham could come back in for Ekitike in the January window after trying to sign him in the summer.

The Irons were involved in discussions over a potential deal for the 21-year-old up until the transfer deadline – but a move failed to materialise.

They are now keen to bolster their striking options following an injury to Michail Antonio on international duty.

Newcastle have injury problems of their own, with attackers Harvey Barnes, Miguel Almiron, Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson all missing games in recent weeks.

Ekitike scored four goals in just 14 starts amid 32 appearances across all competitions on loan at PSG last term before joining permanently this summer.

In other news, midfield star’s plan to join Newcastle United has “blown up in his face”.