Newcastle hope to take 'decisive' steps this week in their pursuit of Reims striker Hugo Ekitike, according to two experienced journalists. 

The lowdown

Newcastle have already agreed a deal with Reims, worth an initial €30million (£25.8million), to sign Ekitike.

The move was at a similar stage late in the January transfer window before Ekitike opted to wait until the summer and decide his future then.

The Frenchman is only 19 years old and so will be viewed as a long-term signing, but also someone who can compete with Callum Wilson for a starting spot this season.

The latest

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted on Monday evening that 'Newcastle now hope to get the deal done this week'.

They've initiated 'new contact with his agent' and 'all parties [are] now confident' that the completion of the move is imminent.

Meanwhile, Rudy Galetti shares an update from 'sources close to NUFC', who believe 'this week could be decisive for the final move for Ekitike'.

The verdict

Newcastle can be excited if they get this signing over the line.

Ekitike scored ten Ligue 1 goals in 23 appearances as a teenager last season, averaging one every 123 minutes.

Only two players under the age of 20 in Europe's top five leagues - Arnaud Kalimuendo of Lens and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal - found the net more often in 2021/22.

Journalist Lee Davey, who has often covered the French top-flight, has billed Ekitike as 'a hell of a player' and reckons he 'could be one of the signings of the summer'.

In other news, Newcastle and Dan Ashworth are hoping to close this deal.