Newcastle United are working on a plan to ‘convince’ Paris Saint-Germain striker, Hugo Ekitike to join the club during the winter transfer window, according to journalist Dean Jones
The 21-year-old was the subject of a two-way transfer battle between Newcastle and PSG but opted to join the French champions in a £24m deal.
Having featured in 32 matches for Les Parisiens last season, Ekitike has only played eight minutes of club football this season in what has been a stark contrast to his debut season. The Magpies are set to capitalize on his current situation by launching a move for the striker.
Transfer expert Ben Jacobs reports that PSG lined up Ekitike for a transfer last summer as they don’t see his future at Parc des Princes. Offers of €35m from Eintracht Frankfurt and €40m from Zenit Saint Petersburg were rebuffed as Ekitike was insistent on a move to the Premier League.
The likes of Crystal Palace, West Ham, and Everton are reported to have made transfers for the 21-year-old but a move never came to fruition and Ekitike has since remained in Paris.
Newcastle’s season have been marred by injuries, particularly in the striker department, where both Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak have faced setbacks. Callum Wilson is currently sidelined with a recurring hamstring injury, a frustrating setback considering his strong start to the season, having scored seven Premier League goals in 10 appearances.
Although Newcastle’s Champions League qualification is hanging in the balance, The Magpies are competing in every domestic competition having advanced to the quarter finals of the Carabao Cup. They aim to seal a deal for Ekitike to add depth to their attack.
