Fabrizio Romano: Newcastle now 'working' to sign the 'next Mbappe' this summer; 'key days ahead'

Newcastle United are reportedly now ‘working’ on signing Hugo Ekitike in the summer.

Taking to Twitter, transfer insider Graeme Bailey has recently revealed that the St James’ Park faithful are ‘confident‘ of signing Ekitike this summer.

Expanding in his latest article for 90min, the journalist added that they hope to wrap up a deal ‘soon’ after Eddie Howe ‘pinpointed’ the 19-year-old as a target back in the January transfer window.

A reported £33m move for Ekitike to move to the North East from Ligue 1 club Reims fell through on January’s transfer deadline day, and now it looks like the Tyneside outfit are going to return for him once the summer window opens.

Taking to Twitter, Italian football journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now revealed a ‘key’ update with regards to the Magpies and Ekitike.

He outlined: “Key days ahead for Hugo Ekitike’s future, he’s expected to leave Reims after great season. Newcastle are still working to sign him after January late negotiations, now hoping to beat Borussia Dortmund in the race.

“Ekitike will make his choice on the future soon.”

With clubs like Dortmund – who will be playing in the Champions League next season and have lost Erling Haaland to Manchester City – showing interest in Ekitike, the Toon need to wrap up this deal  quickly if they are to secure his signature.

Dubbed a ‘very special‘ player earlier this season by his manager Oscar Garcia, the 19-year-old seems to have a huge future ahead of him, and some in France truly believe that he could be the ‘next Mbappe‘.

With 11 goals and four assists in 26 games across all competitions this term (Transfermarkt), Ekitike has burst onto the scene in his home country, and he would no doubt be an exciting signing if