"Newcastle have been told..": Huge transfer claim emerges that'll leave Howe delighted - opinion

A huge update has emerged on Newcastle United’s chances of landing Hugo Ekitike from Stade Reims this summer.

Journalist Ryan Taylor has relayed quotes from the Ligue 1 side’s president stating that the striker will move on from the club at the end of the season.

Fabrizio Romano reported on deadline day in January that a Toon deal for the young Frenchman fell through in the final hours, with the Magpies now looking to resurrect their interest.

Taylor Tweeted: “Newcastle have been told they can sign Hugo Ekitike this summer after January deadline day deal collapsed. NUFC Reims president Jean-Pierre Caillot: “Hugo will be allowed to go & he’s probably going to leave.” Also interest from West Ham, Wolves, Fulham.”

The Magpies head coach will surely be delighted with this news as it comes as a huge boost to the club’s hopes of signing the striker.

Reims are seemingly resigned to him departing and this means that Newcastle can swoop in to strike an agreement with them this summer. Their talks with the Ligue 1 outfit in January could also give them a leg up over their rivals as they will already have a relationship with their French counterparts and will know, roughly, how much money they will want for him after discussing a deal earlier this year.

Howe will also be buzzing with this update as the prospect of signing Ekitike is an exciting one. He is a promising young talent who has also shown that he has the quality to make an impact at senior level in a top European league.

At the age of 19, he has the majority of his career left ahead of him to develop and hone his skills. This means that he would come in as a player for the future as he would be able to play for the club for a number of years, improving as he gains more