Newcastle United are ‘probably’ going to sign Stade Reims’ Hugo Ekitike and ‘one other’ striker this summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Magpies are expected to be extremely active in the upcoming transfer window after they became the richest football club in the world following their Saudi-backed takeover.

What is the latest news involving Ekitike?

Despite their newfound riches, a recent report in The Telegraph claimed Newcastle would only have a budget of £90 million when the market reopens for business.

It’s claimed that Eddie Howe’s charges will adopt an approach of ‘pragmatic ambition’ as they look to stay firmly within the restraint of Financial Fair Play.

However, a large portion of their resources could be spent on finally securing the services of Ekitike after narrowly missing out on him in January.

According to Sky Sports, Newcastle had a £33m bid accepted for the 19-year-old by Reims in January only for late interest from Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain resulting in the player deciding to stay put.

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The St. James’ Park outfit are thought to be intent on reviving the deal for Ekitike, but they are set to face extensive competition for his signature.

90 Football (via Get French Football News) claim Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have now joined the race for the teenager alongside Chelsea, Juventus and Sevilla.

What has Jones said about Ekitike?

Jones is still confident that Newcastle will be able to prise Ekitike away from his boyhood club, though, becoming the crown jewel in Howe’s ongoing revolution in the process.

He told GiveMeSport: “Ekitike is still going to be a guy that probably comes in and one other. That is the one position where he (Eddie Howe) probably will look to sign an exciting name; he's happy to do that.”

How has Ekitike been performing?

Ekitike only made his senior debut for Reims in August yet quickly established himself as one of the most promising attacking talents in Ligue 1 with some dazzling displays.

The France Under-20 international racked up eight goals and three assists in his opening 17 top-flight appearances of the campaign before injury, suspension and a lack of form saw his progression halt in the new year.

In his six appearances across all competitions in 2022, Ekitike has scored just one goal and is still currently sidelined with a hamstring problem.

Nevertheless, the teenager is evidently extremely talented and could be the ideal candidate to lead Newcastle into a new era under their ambitious and extremely wealthy owners.