Hugo Ekitike ‘REJECTS Newcastle transfer to stay at Reims until end of season’ despite Toon reaching £33m agreement

REIMS striker Hugo Ekitike has rejected a move to Newcastle. The Toon, who had an earlier bid of £29million turned down, matched the £33m asking price the Ligue 1 side were requesting. But the player has now opted out of any potential deal. Ekitike, 19, has scored eight goals in 18 Ligue 1 appearances this […]

REIMS striker Hugo Ekitike has rejected a move to Newcastle.

The Toon, who had an earlier bid of £29million turned down, matched the £33m asking price the Ligue 1 side were requesting.

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Ekitike has opted to stay at Reims despite Newcastle reaching the asking price[/caption]

But the player has now opted out of any potential deal.

Ekitike, 19, has scored eight goals in 18 Ligue 1 appearances this season and was also being tracked by West Ham.

Despite missing out on Ekitike, it has still been a busy window for Newcastle.

Adding to the signings of Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood, they are also set to complete a number of late deals.

These include Lyon man Bruno Guimaraes – who has already sealed a move to the North East.

And Brighton defender Dan Burn and Aston Villa full-back Matt Targett are also expected to be completed in the coming hours.

Newcastle have also been desperately trying to land another forward and were interested in Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah.

However, the Gunners are reluctant to lose him and any form agreement seems unlikely at this stage.

They have also not given up hope of a late loan swoop for Jesse Lingard.

Manchester United have given the England international the green light to find himself a loan move until the end of the season.

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It will now be a race between Newcastle and West Ham to secure his services.

The 29-year-old scored nine goals in 16 matches for the Hammers in the second half of last season.

But the Magpies could tempt him to St James’ Park if they offer a more suitable package.

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