Transfer insider says Newcastle "leading the race" to sign 6 ft 2 ace they almost got in January

Newcastle United are still ‘probably leading the race to sign’ Reims striker Hugo Ekitike ahead of the summer transfer window, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Magpies were close to signing the highly-rated 19-year-old during January but he ended up staying put following late interest from a couple of European giants.

According to Sky Sports, Newcastle had a £25 million bid, potentially rising to £33m, accepted by Reims during the winter as new manager Eddie Howe looked to bolster his attacking options.

However, Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain then declared an interest in Ekitike, leading to the teenager deciding to see out the remainder of the season with his boyhood club before reassessing his options.

Reims president Jean-Pierre Caillot admitted they received “very good offers” for the versatile attacker although the player and the club “share the feeling there is still a piece of history to write together”.

Ekitike has struggled somewhat to find his best form once again since the turn of the year, though.

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After bagging eight goals and providing three assists in his opening 17 Ligue 1 games of the season, the youngster has endured a difficult 2022.

He missed the first two league games through suspension before registering just one goal and failing to set up any more efforts in his next four games, while a hamstring injury has kept him sidelined since 20 February.

Despite his recent struggles, Ekitike has maintained his reputation as one of the most exciting attacking young talents in French football at this moment in time.

And Jones has revealed that Newcastle are ‘still very keen’ on bringing him to