Eddie Howe wishes Hugo Ekitike well as thoughts turn to other transfer targets

SAALFELDEN: Eddie Howe has issued a classy message to new Paris Saint-Germain frontman Hugo Ekitike having missed out on the player’s signature.

Ekitike was one of Newcastle United's primary targets in the summer transfer window and, despite agreeing on a fee with Reims for him, the 20-year-old player opted to hold out for a move to the current Ligue 1 champions.

And, speaking from the club's Austrian training base, Howe revealed the attempts Newcastle had made to land the player, as well as wishing the France youth international well at Le Parc des Princes this season.

“It’s no secret that we really liked Hugo and we worked hard to try and do that deal,” Howe told our man in Austria. “He’s a very talented lad and he decided to go to PSG. I have no hard feelings toward him and wish him well in the next phase of his career. I really do wish him luck. But it is an example of the types of clubs we’re competing with to try and improve our squad.

“It’s not as easy as people think it is, and you’re going to miss out on targets and look at other options. I’ve done that before in my career and I’m sure it won’t be the last.”

Howe remains intent on signing two new forward players before the end of the transfer window on Sept. 1.

Leeds United's Jack Harrison remains on the radar, but other targets, such as Moussa Diaby, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Ivan Toney, look likely to prove too expensive for the Magpies.

Meanwhile, Chelsea's Armando Broja, a Newcastle loan target, looks all set to head to West Ham United after the clubs edged closer to a permanent agreement for the player.

A fee of around $29 million is expected to be enough to seal the deal for the English-born, Albanian international.

One player who is expected to