Hugo Ekitike could still leave Reims in January
Reims striker Hugo Ekitike could yet move this transfer window amid interest from Newcastle United, 90min has been told.
The 19-year-old has emerged as one of the hottest properties in French football this season, and is the top-scoring teenager in Europe’s top five leagues.
Newcastle made a bid for Ekitike earlier this month, but despite extensive talks, they were unable to strike a deal with Reims.
Reims president Jean-Pierre Caillot confirmed that the club had turned down a bid from Newcastle and confirmed their price they wanted – which was €30m including an additional €10m in add-ons.
Newcastle have never totally broken off lines of communication and they still remain open as they consider further deals before the transfer deadline on Monday.
We understand that talks have continued this week between Reims and Newcastle, and sources close to the French club have refused to rule out a deal being struck.
West Ham, Tottenham and Arsenal have also been linked, while it has been suggested that the Hammers have opened talks about a deal, although suggestions they have lodged a bid less than that of Newcastle are not yet confirmed.
Paris Saint-Germain have also been strongly linked with Ekitike, who has never hidden his admiration for Kylian Mbappe, who he also also been likened too.