Hugo Ekitike sends cryptic 'ambition' message as Newcastle target returns to Reims training base

Hugo Ekitike has returned to Stade de Reims' training ground as the Newcastle United target continues to weigh up his next move after the two clubs agreed a fee earlier this month.

Newcastle felt encouraged enough to return to the negotiating table this summer to strike a £25.6m deal with Reims despite Ekitike previously turning down the chance to join the Magpies in January. Rather than being deterred by that snub, the hierarchy understood why Ekitike wanted to stay put at the time after the 20-year-old only broke into Reims' first team a few months previously.

However, Ekitike's agent, Karl Mwalako Buchmann, has appeared to have been keeping Ekitike's options open - even if it is only Newcastle who acted on their long-term interest. Borussia Dortmund, in contrast, have instead moved for Karim Adeyemi and Sebastien Haller after losing star striker Erling Haaland to Man City.

Ekitike, meanwhile, has returned home to spend time with his family and contemplate his next step after his season only finished less than fortnight ago because of his international commitments. Ekitike suffered a hamstring injury while playing for France under-20s earlier this month, but, encouragingly, the youngster was back in the gym doing some bike work at Reims' training ground on Wednesday.

Ekitike took to Snapchat just a few hours before his gym session and it would not be a modern transfer saga, of course, without a cryptic message. Captioning a photograph of a half open door in his home on Tuesday, Ekitike wrote: "Do not confuse ambition with humility. Thanks very much."