Who is Hugo Ekitike? The Reims striker 'closing in' on Newcastle United move

ChronicleLive understands Newcastle United are closing in on a deal to sign Reims striker Hugu Ekitike. A fee in the region of £30million plus add-ons is what the Magpies must stump up to lure the forward to Tyneside.

Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan are also believed to be vying for Ekitike’s signature but it is Newcastle who are leading the race. The transfer window does not officially open until June 10 but several clubs are already doing business early.

United are yet to make a breakthrough but splashing out on the Ligue 1 hitman would be a statement of intent as Toon chiefs embark on their first summer at the helm. ChronicleLive has profiled Ekitke to analyse what supporters can expect if he does join the Saudi-backed revolution…

Ekitike is a 19-year-old striker who has enjoyed a fine breakout season in France. He is eligible to play for Cameroon due to his father but was born in Reims and graduated through the academy of his boyhood club.

An impressive start to 2021-22 - his first season as a professional - saw him earn a call-up to the France U-20 squad. Ekitike is currently on international duty for the French youth side and came off the bench as they recorded a 5-0 win against Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.

A prolific goal return saw Ekitike attract the interest of Newcastle in January. Despite spending just five months as a first-team player, Reims accepted a bid in the region of £25million for their asset on deadline day. However, the youngster rejected the Magpies’ offer, citing a desire to remain at Reims until the end of the season.

Speaking to L’Equipe following the saga, Ekitike said: “It happened quickly and it was not the time. It was better for me to stay here, to complete the full season and confirm