Newcastle United are fearful of their move for Hugo Ekitike being hijacked by a Premier League rival and influential figures at St James' Park are on course to choose whether to make a fresh attempt to land the Eintracht Frankfurt star in the coming hours, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
The Magpies have already splashed the cash in preparation for a campaign which will include Champions League action, with Anthony Elanga completing a £55million switch from domestic counterparts Nottingham Forest, but head coach Eddie Howe has remained determined to make a marquee signing.
Additional funds will be raised thanks to the pending departure of academy graduate Sean Longstaff, who is poised to join newly-promoted Leeds United after an agreement in excess of £12million was reached earlier this week, and Ekitike has been firmly in Newcastle's sights as a potential big-name acquisition.
Magpies Fearing Competition for Ekitike Deal
Tyneside giants weigh up making improved offer for striker
Hugo Ekitike in action for Eintracht Frankfurt
Newcastle are being forced to accelerate their bid to sign Ekitike, according to GMS sources, as there are fresh concerns that they will be beaten to his signature after newly-crowned Club World Cup winners Chelsea have given indications that they could become the second Premier League side to rival them for an agreement.
Liverpool have upped the ante in their pursuit by making contact with Eintracht Frankfurt to discuss the possibility of winning the race for the striker, having also shown interest in luring Alexander Isak away from St James' Park, meaning that the Magpies have to make a swift decision on whether to make an increased offer.
GMS sources have been informed that Newcastle are worried that Chelsea may attempt to hijack the move for Ekitike, who enjoyed a productive 2024/25 campaign, as doubts over the long-term future of Nicolas Jackson and other attackers at Stamford Bridge have resulted in the Blues being increasingly likely to dip into the market for another marksman.
Hugo Ekitike's statistics for Eintracht Frankfurt this season
The Magpies tried to steal a march on their domestic counterparts by lodging a club-record £70million bid for the Frenchman earlier this week, but the proposal was turned down by Eintracht Frankfurt and that has left the door open for other admirers to enter negotiations with the Bundesliga outfit.
Ekitike had been shortlisted as a centre forward that Chelsea could make advances for if they allow current members of their squad to head through the exit door, GMS sources have learned, which is threatening to complicate matters for Newcastle as Howe goes in search of securing more firepower.
Howe to Make Quick Call on Pursuit of Ekitike
Premier League rivals firmly in mix to win race for Frenchman
Hugo Ekitike in action for Eintracht Frankfurt
GMS sources have been told that Newcastle are having to quickly react to Liverpool opening discussions with Eintracht Frankfurt and Chelsea threatening to follow suit, leading to Howe and key decision-makers weighing up whether to table another offer in an effort to fight off stiff competition for Ekitike's services.
Although the Magpies' opening proposal fell some way short of the release clause written into the 23-year-old's contract, which stands at £86million, they have already shown a willingness to make him the most expensive acquisition in the Tyneside giants' history as they aim to build on winning the Carabao Cup last term.
Liverpool are firmly in the mix to recruit Ekitike if Newcastle opt against swiftly meeting Ekitike's buyout figure, GMS sources understand, but Chelsea's admiration has resulted in them also being feared as a potential additional bidder as the opening weekend of the Premier League campaign edges closer.
Alexander Isak in action for Newcastle United Related
Alexander Isak Reacts as Liverpool Make £120m Newcastle Approach
Liverpool have approached Newcastle United for the potential signing of Alexander Isak, and Luke Edwards has confirmed the Swedish striker's stance.
GMS sources recently revealed that the Magpies' pursuit of the former Paris Saint-Germain man is part of a wider strategy to demonstrate ambition in the transfer market, with there being a desire for it to be enough to convince Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon to stay at St James' Park.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 16/07/2025
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