Newcastle handed transfer blow as Ekitike opts for Reims stay

Hugo Ekitike's Deadline Day move from Reims to Newcastle has fallen through after the Ligue 1 club confirmed the forward has decided to stay in France.

Newcastle's bid of £25m - rising to £33m - for Ekitike was made on Sunday night and accepted by Reims on Monday.

But, following late interest from Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain as well, the 19-year-old has decided to stay at Reims and reassess his options in the summer.

Reims released a statement confirming that news on Monday, saying Ekitike would remain at the club until the end of the season.

Jean-Pierre Caillot, the Reims president, admitted they received "very good offers" for Ekitike but that the player and the club "share the feeling there is still a piece of history to write together".

France U20 forward Ekitike was also being tracked by West Ham. Newcastle initially opened talks with Reims to sign Ekitike earlier this month prior to signing Chris Wood from Burnley.

Ekitike, who can also play on the left wing, made his debut for Reims in August and has scored eight goals in 18 Ligue 1 appearances this season, registering three assists.

Newcastle also failed in a Deadline Day move for Jesse Lingard after the Manchester United board decided not to sanction a move away from Old Trafford for the England international.

However, the Magpies have signed Aston Villa left-back Matt Targett on loan until the end of the season.

The St James' Park club are also on the verge of signing Brighton defender Dan Burn, who is set to travel to the North East to undergo a medical.

Newcastle have had an offer of around £13m for Burn accepted by Brighton, after an earlier bid of £10m plus add-ons was rejected on Saturday.

The Magpies have wanted to sign a left-footed