Newcastle United have made significant progress in their pursuit of Reims striker Hugo Ekitike, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Failed January pursuit

The 19-year-old was a firm target of the Magpies in January as new manager Eddie Howe looked to bring in a couple of forwards to St James’ Park.

Burnley striker Chris Wood arrived in the northeast after Newcastle swiftly struck a £25m deal following an injury to Callum Wilson, and it appeared that Ekitike was set to follow suit and make a late switch on deadline day after the Magpies had a £33m bid accepted by the Ligue 1 outfit.

However, the Frenchman decided that the timing wasn’t right and that he would instead assess his options at the end of the season.

The Latest: Romano’s update on Ekitike

Romano has now shared the latest update involving Newcastle’s pursuit of Ekitike.

Taking to Twitter, he claimed: “Hugo Ekitike deal. Newcastle and Reims have full agreement on €30m fee plus €5m add-ons, agent is now in talks with Newcastle after being given permission by Reims.

“Work in progress as Newcastle have been leading the race for weeks.”

The Verdict: Huge talent

According to analyst Statman Dave, who has featured on Sky Sports, the Magpies are set to sign “a big talent”. He elaborated: “Only Kylian Mbappe [1.25] registered more non-penalty direct goal involvements than Hugo Ekitike [0.85] in the 21/22 Ligue 1 season.”

Newcastle writer Charlie Bennett has claimed that the unfulfilled deal for the 19-year-old paralleled one failed transfer from the past; like Ekitike, a young, highly-rated Ligue 1 striker in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was close to joining the Magpies in the past, but a deal to bring him to St James' Park ultimately failed to materialise.

Therefore, if Ekitike can live up to the Gabon striker's legacy in the Premier League, in which he scored 68 goals for Arsenal, it would be a fantastic signing for Newcastle.

In other news: Craig Hope shares Sven Botman transfer insight