Hugo Ekitike’s arrival at Newcastle United should speed up Dwight Gayle’s exit from the club, according to The Northern Echo.
What’s the latest Newcastle United transfer news?
Finally, Newcastle look to have made a breakthrough in recent days.
Matt Targett has signed on a permanent basis following his impressive loan stint last season, while the club have reportedly agreed a fee with Lille over a deal for Sven Botman. Though there is said to be some work to do on that front, it does feel significant a fee has finally been agreed after multiple bids were snubbed during the January transfer window.
On Ektike, positive talks with the striker are thought to have been held after Reims granted Newcastle permission to speak with him. Though there are complications with that deal too, the report suggests the 19-year-old is ready to leave France after rejecting a move to St James’ Park in January.
Should the French U20 international arrive, Gayle could be afforded an exit with Middlesbrough said to be keen. With Ekitike as cover and competition for Callum Wilson, Gayle’s already limited game-time would get even harder to come by.
How important is it players leave Newcastle?
Hugely.
Given the need to balance spending with FFP restrictions, making space in the squad is surely the only way Newcastle can continue spending the kind of money to progress up the league.
Indeed, The Athletic cited the need to move players on as one of Dan Ashworth’s early tasks as sporting director. Even in January, the likes of Ciaran Clark, Jamal Lewis and Isaac Hayden had to be left out of the 25-man Premier League squad, and more arrivals would naturally make that situation worse.
Hayden, at least, has joined Norwich City on loan.
On Gayle in particular, The Athletic also claimed Newcastle have anticipated him leaving since the summer of 2017. The only problem, however, is the fact his wages are thought to be a sticking point, with West Brom’s technical director Luke Dowling revealing in 2019 that the Baggies would not pay his “Premier League contract” despite a successful time on loan.
What has been said about the Ekitike deal?
Writing on Twitter, The Daily Telegraph’s Luke Edwards said: “They [Newcastle] are not paying £25m up front for Ekitike despite what is being reported in France and elsewhere. In fact I’d say that has been done to try and lure someone into making a bigger offer for the player.”
