Craig Hope has now revealed some worrying Newcastle United transfer news on Hugo Ekitike.
The Lowdown: Breakthrough this morning...
The Daily Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards reported earlier this morning that the St. James' Park faithful are now 'closing in' on a deal to try and sign Ekitike before the deadline, claiming that it 'could go through today'.
However, as the clock ticks by, and with focus on getting Dan Burn through his medical ahead of his proposed move from Brighton and Hove Albion, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium need to make sure that there are not any slip-ups with Ekitike.
The Latest: Doubts?
As per The Daily Mail journalist Hope, sources from France are now saying that Ekitike 'needs convincing' before making the move to the North East:
"Update: Newcastle talks with Reims striker Hugo Ekitike are ongoing.
"Sources in France say player needs convincing the move is right for him. Time ticking on this one."
The Verdict: Worrying
The fact that Ekitike is yet to be convinced by a move to Tyneside is certainly worrying with the clock ticking by, as they will need enough time for him to complete a medical and all of the necessary paperwork in case he gives the move the green light.
Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal has been mentioned as another potential option in the striker department, but any quick deal looks increasingly unlikely as the hours go by, with Edwards even going as far as to claim that there is 'no chance' that it will happen.
Thus, the Magpies need to make sure that the Ekitike deal does not fall through - perhaps the ambition shown by the other signings in the works could convince him to join before the deadline.