Keith Downie has revealed that talks are now at an 'advanced' stage between Newcastle United and Reims for the potential signing of Hugo Ekitike.

The Lowdown: Howe 'pushing'

As per 90 min journalist Graeme Bailey, Eddie Howe is now 'pushing' the Magpies to sign Ekitike, and ideally wanted him to be signed before they play Watford at home in the Premier League this weekend, but of course he would not have been registered in time.

Nonetheless, they can still get a deal done in time for when they face Leeds United away from home next week, which is another huge match at the bottom of the division.

The Latest: Talks 'advanced'

Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, Sky Sports journalist Downie has revealed that talks are now 'advanced' to sign Ekitike in the January transfer window, and there is not too much of a gap between valuations for the player:

"From what I'm hearing, the talks are quite advanced with him.

"There's maybe not too much of a gap between what Newcastle are offering and what his club are asking for."

The Verdict: Sign now

With Chris Wood already arriving at St. James' Park, he offers the immediate injection of top-flight experience needed up top in the absence of Callum Wilson.

Thus, the club can sign a young player for the future in Ekitike with a bit less pressure, and the 19-year-old is a very exciting prospect indeed.

Bailey has claimed himself that the starlet is an ‘outstanding talent‘, and cited that a lot of people in French football believe that he could even turn out to be the ‘next Mbappe‘.

Nonetheless, with eight goals and three assists in Ligue 1 already this season (Transfermarkt), he is already performing at a level beyond his years, and so would surely relish the challenge to play in the Premier League.

In other news, find out which alternative centre-back targets NUFC have now lined up here!