The 19-year-old striker has been on Newcastle’s target list since January when he decided against joining the Magpies.

 

Newcastle are closer to signing the forward this summer and already have an agreement in place with Reims for a fee that could rise up to €46m.

 

 

The Magpies also do not foresee any problems in agreeing on personal terms with the player but they are yet to secure his signature.

 

And it has been claimed Ekitike was being offered around clubs in Europe as late as this week.

 

 

Newcastle have a deal in place with Reims but his representatives are still trying to get more clubs involved in the race.

 

Ekitike is a highly-rated young talent in Europe and several clubs are believed to be keen on him.

 

 

Newcastle believe vested interests around Ekitike are dragging out the negotiations in order to get more clubs involved.

 

The Magpies do not want to offer any more money in order to get the deal over the line this summer.