Newcastle United appear to have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of Stade de Reims striker Hugo Ekitike after an interview with the French club's president emerged (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Rising star

Having made a senior debut in 2020/21, Ekitike continued on a rapidly upwards trajectory last season, breaking out as one of the hottest young talents in French football

The 19-year-old ended the campaign with 10 goals and four assists in 24 Ligue 1 outings and has even been compared to Paris Saint-Germain phenomenon Kylian Mbappe as a result.

Previously linked to the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham, it now looks as though Newcastle are set to prevail...

The latest: Bid on the table

Speaking to French outlet France Bleu, translated by SW, Reims president Jean-Pierre Caillot has confirmed there is a suitable bid already in place.

“Today is very concrete. And on the table, there is one that suits us very well. An offer which, in my view, is sportingly interesting for the player and it is now up to him to make his choice, it is not for me to do so.

“From now on, it is his advisers who must move forward on this file. And if at the time of speaking this is not done, it is because his advisers have not yet wished to move forward with this club.”

Caillot went on to say that only offers of around €30-40million (£25-34million) would be deemed acceptable for the young striker who was hailed as a 'very special' talent by manager Oscar Garcia.

The verdict: Fingers crossed

There will certainly be high hopes from the North East that the aforementioned suitable bid has come from the St James' Park hierarchy as all eyes remain on PIF and just how strongly the new owners will back Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth this summer.

One key area in need of improvement was the centre-forward department, as Callum Wilson's injury record means the Englishman cannot be relied on and Joellinton's successful positional switch leaves only Chris Wood as a recognised, regularly healthy frontman.

Capped twice by France at the Under 20 level, the talented teenager has also shown impressive versatility in a developing career to date, occasionally operating from the left wing and showing off battling qualities by winning an impressive 4.1 duels on average per game last term (Sofascore).

If the Magpies are going to compete amongst the elite of the Premier League, signing a potent attacker such as the 6 foot 2 Ekitike would be a huge boost to the project.

In other news: Magpies send scouts to watch Ben Nelson…