Newcastle United are ‘still looking at further forwards’ despite making progress with Hugo Ekitike, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Magpies are believed to be closing in on the signature of the Stade de Reims striker following a lengthy pursuit, but manager Eddie Howe is eager to add more firepower to his forward line.

What is the latest news involving Ekitike?

Ekitike was close to joining Newcastle in the January transfer window before he decided to stay put following late interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund.

However, the St. James’ Park outfit could finally secure the 19-year-old’s services after Sky Sports revealed they have held ‘positive talks’ after being given permission to re-enter negotiations.

It’s claimed that a fee worth around €30 million (£25.6m) is under discussion between Newcastle and Reims for the talented teenager, with a five-year contract offer on the table.

Yet the world’s richest football club are unlikely to end their search for attacking reinforcements there, and several other intriguing names have been linked with a switch to the North East.

What has Jones said about Newcastle?

Newcastle have continually been credited with an interest in Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Jones believes they will ‘still be shopping around for that level of player’.

He told GiveMeSport: “They don't have anyone that is a proven regular goal scorer in the Premier League, and this is a club that have ambitions to get towards those European places next season.

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“So, that's why you have to believe that they are still going to be in that market, and even though they're distancing themselves publicly from players like Calvert-Lewin, I think they'll still be shopping around for that level of player.

“They are still looking at further forwards to come in because they know that they need more goals for next season.”

Who else could Newcastle sign?

According to The Telegraph, Newcastle are eager to re-sign Brentford’s Ivan Toney, four years after he left the club on a permanent basis for Peterborough United.

The Bees are expected to demand £30m for their prized asset, who registered 14 goals and six assists across 37 appearances in all competitions throughout 2021/22.

Toney is said to be seen as an alternative target to Darwin Nunez of Benfica as the Uruguay international is determined to move to a side competing in the Champions League.

Whether Newcastle switch their attention to Calvert-Lewin, who has a £50m price tag, or Toney after Ekitike remains to be seen, yet an additional goal threat appears to be high up on Howe’s wish list either way.