Newcastle 'nailed on' to bring £18m star to St James' Park

Newcastle are “nailed on” to sign Stade Reims striker Hugo Ekitike this summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Eddie Howe’s side were heavily linked with the £18m-rated frontman throughout January, but his proposed move to St James’ Park eventually collapsed on deadline day.

Newcastle went into the winter window inside the relegation zone and having only scored 19 goals in their opening 19 Premier League games, they were in desperate need of a striker to boost their chances of survival.

Chris Wood was brought in from bottom three rivals Burnley for £25m, although with Callum Wilson facing a long spell on the sidelines through injury, Howe needed more than just the New Zealand international.

Therefore, the Toon Army moved to sign the French teenager, who’s enjoying a fine first full season in Ligue 1.

Having seen earlier bids rejected for Ekitike, Newcastle finally matched Reims’ £33m asking-price for his services in the final hours of the window, but the teenager eventually rejected the opportunity to link up with Howe.

But with Newcastle expected to splash the cash once again when the window reopens for business this summer, Jones is confident that Ekitike will eventually become a Magpies player.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “Ekitike is still one of the most nailed on signings of the summer.

“He’s not a player that Newcastle fans will know that much about, but did they know much about Bruno before he came? Probably not. So, I think that also helps, he wasn’t a big star when he signed and he’s done brilliantly for them, so I think they’ll be optimistic for them no matter who comes in.”

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