Fresh Hugo Ekitike transfer claim made as Newcastle United still have 'work to do'

Newcastle United still reportedly have ‘work to do’ to finalise the transfer of Reims striker Hugo Ekitike. That is according to the Telegraph who claim that the deal is not as close as had been initially reported due to the ‘sluggish’ start to the transfer window.

The summer window does not officially open until Friday 10 June, though some deals have already been completed with Aston Villa and Leeds United particularly busy early on. The slow start to the window is likely to boil down to the hectic schedule of international fixtures that kicked off earlier this month.

And Ekitike is one of those players who is currently away representing his country, playing for France U20s at the Maurice Revello Tournament in Toulon. The 19-year-old’s side have already qualified for the knockout stages after picking up seven points from their three group matches.

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Chronicle Live understands that the deal between Newcastle and Reims is structured slightly differently to January's offer. Newcastle will look to pay around €30m (£25.6m), before another €5.9m (£5m) in 'achievable add-ons'. While Reims accepted the Magpies' initial offer earlier this year, they felt some clauses such as 'winning the Champions League' were unrealistic and unlikely to be triggered.

And despite fresh reports claiming that there is still work to be done, Reims owner Jean-Pierre Caillot has already discussed the likelihood of the talented young Frenchman leaving the club. “Yes. Today, it is very concrete,” Caillot told France Bleu about interest in Ekitike last week.

“And on the table there is one that suits us very well. An offer which, in my view, is sportingly