Newcastle United insiders have hinted at transfer plans after Hugo Ekitike after reports of a bid nearing the club’s record transfer fee.
There is an air of excitement around the fanbase at the moment because of recent reports that Newcastle United are in talks with Hugo Ekitike.
The 23-year-old rejected a move to Tyneside in 2022, despite a £20million deal being agreed with Ligue 1 side Reims. He ended up joining PSG, which turned out to be a disastrous move.
However, Ekitike found great form at Eintracht Frankfurt and is now of serious interest to the Magpies. It does not look like personal terms will be an issue, with reports suggesting Ekitike has agreed a five-year deal with Newcastle. It is just a case of the two clubs agreeing to a transfer fee.
Ekitike thinks joining Newcastle will help him play for France in the future, with several other players finding themselves in the international picture following a move to Tyneside.
With Newcastle very keen on signing Ekitike this summer, The Athletic have reported what insiders are now saying about plans for after the deal is done.
Hugo Ekitike celebrates after scoring in a Bundesliga game between Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund
Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images
Newcastle United working on more transfers amid Hugo Ekitike talks
When Paul Mitchell left Newcastle in June, fans were concerned about who would take responsibility for transfers. It was revealed that Steve Nickson is leading transfer dealings, alongside Eddie Howe and his nephew Andy Howe.
Nickson did a brilliant job by bringing Anthony Elanga to Newcastle, and he could now be bringing another long-term target to the club.
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There is no sporting director in place at the moment, but The Athletic have confirmed that sources are insistent that discussions are taking place for multiple transfer targets across several positions.
After signing a striker, Newcastle will target either a goalkeeper or centre-back.
Which player could Newcastle United sign after Hugo Ekitike
While Ekitike will surely take up a large chunk of the transfer budget, Newcastle will not be stopping their business.
There could still be signings fans do not yet know about, though it is clear who their top targets are at goalkeeper and centre-back.
Newcastle are in talks to sign James Trafford from Burnley. Fans believe something is up with the deal, as Trafford was not spotted in Portugal with the Burnley squad. The Magpies had a £26m bid rejected for the 22-year-old last month, but the belief is that the deal is getting closer.
Burnley want at least £30m for Trafford, with add-ons taking the deal towards £40m. At centre-back, Newcastle are keen on signing Giorgio Scalvini. The 21-year-old is likely to be expensive this summer, so they could look at other targets.
Geordie Boot Boys understands Malick Thiaw is still in Howe’s thinking, so he is one to watch this summer.