Insider: PIF now "favourites" to land the "next Mbappe" for NUFC, Howe would love him - opinion

A big claim has been made on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Stade Reims striker Hugo Ekitike…

Transfer insider Pete O’Rourke has revealed that the Magpies are looking to snap the Frenchman up at the end of the season and are set to lead the race for his signature.

He has claimed that they are not the only team from the English top-flight eyeing him up, but they are the frontrunners after missing out on him in the previous window.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “The Reims president has come out and confirmed that Ekitike is likely to leave this summer and a number of clubs in the Premier League are interested in the Frenchman.

“Newcastle were very close to signing him in the January transfer window and they still remain very keen on the teenager, so you would probably say that Newcastle are favourites for him right now.”

PIF being the ‘favourites’ to sign the forward in the summer is a huge boost to the club because it suggests that they will be one step ahead of other teams attempting to sign him.

This will delight Eddie Howe because the ex-Cherries coach would love him on Tyneside, given his talent and potential as a player.

Back in January, journalist Graeme Bailey hailed the striker when discussing a possible move to St. James’ Park. He Tweeted: “Outstanding talent – huge signing for Newcastle if they get it done, many in France believe he could be the next Mbappe.”

These comments from the reporter illustrate how highly rated he is in Ligue 1. The comparisons to Mbappe are particularly exciting, given what he has achieved in the game in recent years. Since bursting onto the scene with Monaco, the current PSG star has scored 131 goals and assisted 38 in 180 French top-flight outings – winning the World Cup for his