Newcastle Race To Complete Deal For Striker Hugo Ekitike After Bid Accepted By Reims

Newcastle have had a bid accepted for Reims striker Hugo Ekitike and are now racing to complete the deal before the transfer window closes.

Reims are said to have accepted an offer of around £25m for the striker, which could rise to £33m.

Newcastle are now hoping to complete the deal for the France U20 international before the window closes in England at 11pm (GMT) on Monday.

Newcastle are set to be one of the busiest clubs in the Premier League on deadline day, with the Magpies also expected to sign Aston Villa left-back Matt Targett on loan.

Eddie Howe is keen to sign defensive reinforcements this month and has turned his attention to Targett, who has fallen out of favour at Villa following the arrival of Lucas Digne from Everton.

Meanwhile, Manchester United outcast Jesse Lingard is also pushing for a move to St James’ Park.

Lingard has struggled for first-team opportunities this season, playing just 88 minutes in the Premier League.

Lingard is out of contract at the end of the season and could be allowed to join Newcastle on an initial loan deal, which would become permanent in the summer.

Newcastle were also linked with Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah but the 22-year-old now looks set to remain at the Emirates.

Newcastle have already made three major signings in January, with Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood and Bruno Guimaraes joining this month.

Guimaraes joined Newcastle from Lyon on Sunday in a deal thought to be worth up to £41.5m.

He posted video to Twitter on Sunday which showed several newspaper headlines linking him with a move to the Emirates, before he is shown in a Newcastle shirt standing outside St James’ Park.