Newcastle hopes of signing Hugo Ekitike are up in the air, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Toon Army have been chasing the Stade Reims striker since January, but Jones now reckons there's been a hold up due to payment terms from his agent.

What's the latest news involving Ekitike?

Newcastle were confident of securing the 20-year-old's services in the winter, although the deal fell through on deadline day, meaning Eddie Howe missed out on bringing in another frontman on top of Chris Wood.

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Ekitike remains on Howe's radar, though, but 90min believe the St James' Park outfit are growing increasingly frustrated following delays in a move to bring the Frenchman to the North East.

The report states that a £26m fee has been agreed with Ekitike set to treble his current wages.

But Jones thinks that even though Ekitike wants to move to St James' Park, the deal is currently "on the rocks".

What did Jones say about Ekitike?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "There was a new hold up on Ekitike, it was around the payment terms from his agent, and it was more at the end with Reims than anything at Newcastle.

"I'm hearing it's on the rocks now and that's quite a big shock as the player wanted it. PSG are now talking but I'm not sure how easy that will happen either - there are lots of factors to take into account."

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Why do Newcastle want Ekitike?

Predominantly a striker, he also played out wide last season, which helped him rack up an impressive 10 goals and three assists in his debut campaign in Ligue 1.

At 6 ft 2, Ekitike is a presence which should allow him to compete physically, but he also possesses pace in behind, while he describes himself as an all-round player.   

In an interview with L'Equipe, he said: "I'm a fairly complete player. When you see me, you say to yourself 'he's not very strong.' And yet I wouldn't change my body for anything in the world.

"It allows me to run fast, to compete in duels. I have stamina, I'm technical, and I have a very good understanding of the game.

"I have room for improvement in all areas, but I want to get closer to perfection."

Already a proven goalscorer in a top European league, if Ekitike can continue scoring goals and live up to his own description of himself, then Newcastle would have a top quality player on their hands.