Surprising twist in Newcastle United target’s big summer move

Newcastle United’s long chase for Hugo Ekitike has been concluded with the slight surprise of his exit from Reims coming in the form of a loan deal. Paris St-Germain had ramped up their attempts to sign the 20-year-old with an identical price structure to the one on the table by Newcastle mooted.

But a season long loan deal to PSG with the option of a permanent transfer has now been confirmed. Reims will be well paid for the deal one way or another.

At one stage the forward was prepared to sign for Newcastle but his agent wouldn’t budge on what was thought to be an astronomical deal fee.

A PSG statement read: “Paris Saint-Germain are pleased to announce the signing of Hugo Ekitiké from Stade de Reims. The French striker has joined on loan until the end of the season, with an option to buy.”

But while PSG will now assess the player the conditions of the loan seem relatively simple and Reims have already said goodbye to the youngster. A Reims statement said: “Hugo we wish you the best for the rest of your career."

His agent Karl Bachman has been contacted by Chronicle Live for comment.