"Genuine belief" - Transfer insider drops exciting claim on £25m Newcastle target

Newcastle United target Hugo Ekitike has a “very high ceiling”, believes journalist Dean Jones.

The Reims youngster is currently being linked with a move to St James Park, and Jones says there is a belief in the game that he will eventually emerge as one of the best strikers in Europe.

According to Football Insider, Newcastle have made Ekitike their No.1 forward target this summer as Eddie Howe looks to improve his attack.

This comes after the Tyneside club tried to sign the 19-year-old in January, only for a deal to break down on deadline day.

While Ekitike has not been able to make much of an impact of late, partly because of injury, he really excelled in the first half of this season.

The Frenchman scored eight league goals before the new year, which is a good number for someone his age.

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In terms of what it could cost Newcastle to acquire his talent, Football Insider claims Reims currently value their gem at £25m.

Jones thinks Newcastle would be getting a player with a ridiculous amount of potential if they can finally get a deal over the line.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the transfer insider said: “This lad has a very high ceiling, and over the next few years, there’s genuine belief that he will emerge as one of the best in Europe.”

Unsurprisingly, yes. In fact, according to Sky Sports, the reason why Ekitike opted to stay in France in January is because of late interest from Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain.

Both clubs will probably be looking to add firepower to their squads this summer given the expected departures of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.

The Daily Mail recently reported that Manchester City are closing in on the signing of