Only Kylian Mbappe bettered Newcastle United target Hugo Ekitike in one key stat last season

PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe was the only player to register more non-penalty goal involvements than Hugo Ekitke in Ligue 1. ChronicleLive understands a £25million deal plus add-ons has been agreed with Reims for the 19-year-old, with the player weighing up his options before deciding on a move.

A deadline-day fee had been agreed in January but the player opted to remain at his boyhood club. Last season was Ekitike’s first in professional football; a fruitful one, too, as he bagged 10 league goals and made four assists despite Reims’ mediocre 12th-placed finish.

His meteoric rise has led to comparisons with compatriot Mbappe, who burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old at Monaco. Eddie Howe will be tasked with nurturing one of the brightest prospects in French football if Newcastle do get the deal over the line.

Ekitike's importance to Reims last season has been highlighted on social media. Astonishingly, an impressive return in his debut campaign saw him make more goal involvements than Argentine icon Lionel Messi.

Statman Dave - a football analyst who has worked for Sky Sports and the BBC - tweeted: “Only Kylian Mbappe [1.25] registered more non-penalty direct goal involvements than Hugo Ekitike [0.85] in the 21/22 Ligue 1 season. Newcastle are signing a big talent.”