Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt
Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt
You always got the sense this would be a transformational summer for Newcastle United as the PSR shackles were loosened following three windows of limited investment. The Magpies have already moved for £55m man Anthony Elanga and now switch their attention to a different style of attacking player.
The past weekend brought the latest instalment of being linked with a move for Hugo Ekitike. At 23-years-old and with a release clause of €100m [£86m], it would be a huge statement of intent should a deal materialise.
Even the fact United are considering a purchase of that magnitude is an exciting development after recent frustration in the market, especially given Newcastle do not want to lose this summer.
That won't change, even if Ekitike arrives. The north east outfit clearly see the French youngster as a potential competitor, rather than a direct replacement.
And at a time where Newcastle want to build on their Carabao Cup win, Champions League qualification and their new-found financial freedom, they arguably could not have picked a better target to pursue.
Chronicle Live understands a move for Ekitike is at a very early stage, with no bids launched as option are weighed up. The attacker's aforementioned release clause, coupled with the fact Eintracht Frankfurt are notoriously hard sellers, casts some doubt on the transfer talk.
However, there is a gap to fill in absence and rather than seeking out a player who would be a recognised deputy to Isak, there are some inside the corridors of St James' Park who feel there is a need to find an option capable of pushing the Swede close for a starting spot.
With a centre-back and goalkeeper also high on the shopping list, there is a lingering question over how much Newcastle can spend before September. Elanga, a new defensive asset and a done deal for James Trafford likely takes the club's outlay to around £110m at the very least.
Throw in a club-record fee for Ekitike and you are approaching the £200m mark with limited sellable assets to balance the books. Some will argue a second striker is not the priority at present but is seeking to build a squad capable of one day fighting for the Premier League title - and, as such, needs two top talents in each position.
As it stands, United almost have that luxury. Find an Isak rival and a Nick Pope competitor and you are talking about a deep squad capable of fighting on four fronts.
The latest pursuit of Ekitike may well end like all the others in recent years - in defeat. But Newcastle once again renewing their interest shows they mean business when it comes to strengthening further at the top end of the pitch.
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