Fabrizio Romano: NUFC "working" on signing "the next Mbappe", supporters will love him - opinion

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Hugo Ekitike heading into the summer transfer window…

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Magpies have not stopped trying to snap the attacker up since they failed to bring him in back in January.

A deadline day move for the striker fell through on deadline day and PIF have been working on an agreement to sign him ahead of 2022/23 ever since.

Romano Tweeted: “Hugo Ekitike is back to full fitness after injury and he’s now prepared for an important summer: Newcastle have been working on this deal since January, he’s a top target but Borussia Dortmund are now pushing. BVB have Ekitike in their list to replace Haaland.”

The Toon supporters will love Ekitike at St. James’ Park as he is an exciting young centre-forward with quality and potential.

90min reporter Graeme Bailey claimed in January that “many in France believe he could be the next Mbappe” and Toby Cudworth added that PSG sees him as a “possible successor” to the France international.

Given that Mbappe has 25 goals and 17 assists in 33 Ligue 1 outings this season, this is high praise for the Stade Reims attacker and highlights how impressive he has been in his home country throughout the campaign.

The 19-year-old has racked up nine goals and three assists in 14 starts in the league, which is a phenomenal return for a player of his age. Meanwhile, no Newcastle player has scored more than six in the Premier League, suggesting that he would be an immediate upgrade on the current options on Tyneside.

He has proven that he can deliver in the final third with goals and assists at the top level and is a player who can perform in the here and now whilst also holding the potential to improve