Borussia Dortmund are pushing hard to sign Hugo Ekitike from Reims this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
What’s the latest Newcastle United transfer news?
Despite the return of Callum Wilson, Newcastle are expected to make the signing of a striker a priority this summer.
Chris Wood’s impact on the team might be bigger than his record of two goals in 17 appearances so far but that lack of goals, coupled with Wilson’s patchy injury record, leaves the team light in the attacking department.
Indeed, with the ambition surely to challenge the top seven at least next season and battle for European qualification in some form, more firepower needs to be brought in. Twelve teams in the Premier League have outscored Newcastle this season with only Brighton and Wolves plundering fewer of the sides in the top half.
Going forward, that cannot happen.
How will Newcastle look to strengthen their attack?
The club, of course, tried to add to the Wood signing in January by chasing both Ekitike and Lingard on deadline day. Manchester United refused to let the latter leave, while the former opted to stay in Ligue 1 until the end of the season at least.
A deal for Lingard is believed to be dead in the water due to the England international’s wage demands, although Ekitike is understood to be a target once again.
Dortmund, however, are said to be pushing to sign the player Romano says Newcastle have “been working on since January” as they attempt to replace Manchester City-bound Erling Haaland.
A previous tweet from Romano also suggests there’s some work to be done with Reims, too. While it seems safe to suggest the young Frenchman, who has scored 9 goals in 14 Ligue 1 starts this season, is a target, Newcastle were reportedly unhappy with the idea of a 30% sell-on clause.
What has been said about Ekitike and Newcastle?
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT in April, journalist Dean Jones said: “Ekitike is still one of the most nailed on signings of the summer.
“He’s not a player that Newcastle fans will know that much about, but did they know much about Bruno before he came? Probably not. So, I think that also helps, he wasn’t a big star when he signed and he’s done brilliantly for them, so I think they’ll be optimistic for them no matter who comes in.”
