Hugo Ekitike interest takes focus off forgotten Newcastle United loan star

A section of the Newcastle United faithful took an unexpected interest in the Maurice Revello tournament last week - but more attention was awarded to a non-Magpies player than one already in the club's youth setup.

Hugo Ekitike had the spotlight firmly aimed on him as he helped France win the youth tournament, despite picking up an injury during the semi-finals. Newcastle are hoping to secure a deal for the 19-year-old sensation this summer, with an agreement reached with Reims in recent weeks.

But Newcastle United 's very own Santiago Munoz also shone during the competition, playing a crucial role in Mexico U20's journey to a third-place finish. The attacker started all five games at the tournament, coming up against Ekitike's France in the semis.

Munoz started up front in all three group games during the 1-0 win over Ghana, the 2-1 defeat to Venezuela and the 2-0 win over Indonesia. Mexico needed a victory in the final clash to stand a chance of going through to the last four, and it was Munoz who put his team ahead from the penalty spot after creating the spot-kick.

Despite his heroics, Munoz remains an afterthought at present. Ekitike is desired more than most targets this summer after his breakthrough year in Ligue 1. Even Elliot Anderson has attracted more fanfare after a successful loan spell in League Two.

But Munoz is the forgotten man in that trio. Signed from Santos Laguna on an 18-month loan deal with an option to buy, his future on Tyneside isn't secure.

Eddie Howe has watched him in training, impressed by what he has seen. Yet injuries have impacted his start in the north-east. The youngster did impress towards the end of the season, netting on his home debut for the under-23s against West Brom.

Reflecti