The Magpies are hoping it is third time lucky when it comes to Ekitike after he twice turned down a move to St James’ Park in 2022 before joining Paris Saint-Germain.
After just one season in Paris, Ekitike fell out with head coach Luis Enrique and later moved to Frankfurt, initially on loan before completing a permanent transfer last summer. And the 23-year-old has gone to flourish in Germany, scoring 22 goals and providing 12 assists last season.
Liverpool and Manchester United have shown interest in Ekitike but Newcastle are leading the chase after opening talks with Frankfurt and the player’s representatives.
Should Ekitike sign, he’ll replace Callum Wilson, who has left the club following the expiry of his contract. The plan is for the Frenchman to rotate and play alongside Isak rather than replace the Swede, who has been linked with Liverpool.
Newcastle have already completed the £55m signing of Anthony Elanga and will aim for more additions regardless of what happens with Ekitike.
Just for fun, we take a look at Newcastle’s dream XI for their Premier League opener away to Aston Villa on Saturday, August 16.
Trafford was set to sign for Newcastle last year but the deal was pulled when Nottingham Forest demanded Odysseas Vlachodimos as part of the PSR swindle that took Elliot Anderson to the City Ground. He'll likely cost around £35m this time around.
1. GK: James Trafford
Trafford was set to sign for Newcastle last year but the deal was pulled when Nottingham Forest demanded Odysseas Vlachodimos as part of the PSR swindle that took Elliot Anderson to the City Ground. He'll likely cost around £35m this time around. | Getty Images
Manchester City have shown interest in Livramento but the 22-year-old is going nowhere. Too important and, even by Man City’s standards, too expensive.
2. RB: Tino Livramento
Manchester City have shown interest in Livramento but the 22-year-old is going nowhere. Too important and, even by Man City’s standards, too expensive. | Getty Images
Newcastle are big admirers of Scalvini but are mindful of his recent injury record. Reports in Italy suggest Atalanta value him at £52m.
3. CB: Giorgio Scalvini
Newcastle are big admirers of Scalvini but are mindful of his recent injury record. Reports in Italy suggest Atalanta value him at £52m. | Getty Images
Botman was instrumental during his first season at St James’ Park but the last two have been dominated by knee issues. If Botman can put those troubles behind him then there’s no doubt he walks into Howe’s best XI.
4. CB: Sven Botman
Botman was instrumental during his first season at St James’ Park but the last two have been dominated by knee issues. If Botman can put those troubles behind him then there’s no doubt he walks into Howe’s best XI. | Getty Images