"For around £25m" - Journalist makes transfer claim as Newcastle could take "big gamble"

Journalist Pete O'Rourke thinks Newcastle are taking a "big gamble" as they close in on signing teenage striker Hugo Ekitike from Reims on Deadline Day.

Eddie Howe and the club's new owners, backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), have had to wait patiently in this month's transfer window but it looks set to be a very busy end to the month on Tyneside.

Ekitike has been catching the eye of multiple Premier League clubs this season, with West Ham also reportedly keen on the youngster.

However, it appears that Newcastle are set to beat the Irons to his signature as they have had a £25m offer accepted by Reims, meaning that Ekitike's move to St James' Park has edged one step closer.

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O'Rourke is well aware of Newcastle's spending power following their recent takeover, but he still believes that it is a risky move to pay such a hefty fee for a young forward like Ekitike.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “It seems that this deal could get done for around £25m which is big money but maybe not when you think about Newcastle and their wealth right now.

“It’s a big gamble for them to turn to a 19-year-old to try and help them to stay up in the Premier League this season.”

O'Rourke may have a point as Ekitike has only broken into the Reims first-team this season, and he has not even been a guaranteed starter for the Ligue 1 outfit.

Therefore, paying so much money for a player who is still making his way in the game could put added pressure on his shoulders.

Still, Ekitike looks to be a fine talent, having scored eight goals in France's top-flight this term, and he is not the only player that Newcastle are going to rely on for goals.

Howe can also