A huge update has emerged on Newcastle United and their attempts to sign Hugo Ekitike in the summer transfer window...

What's the talk?

Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie has claimed that the Magpies are now prepared to give up on a deal to sign the attacker ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I have to say, the longer this goes on, and the more noises that come out from his people and Newcastle are willing to walk away.

“I mean, it was described to me yesterday as Newcastle are getting frustrated because the whole transfer has been difficult. And I think that’s putting it lightly, to be honest. I think they are getting frustrated.”

Fabrizio Romano has also delivered a brief, yet worrying, claim on the club's pursuit of the French centre-forward from Stade Reims.

The reporter recently tweeted: "Hugo Ekitike deal, now getting more than complicated."

Supporters will be frustrated

Toon supporters will surely be frustrated by these claims as they suggest that the chances of Ekitike pulling on a Newcastle shirt next season are dwindling.

They will be gutted by that because the 20-year-old's form for Reims last season suggests that he would be an excellent, and much-needed, signing for Eddie Howe's squad in the 2022/23 campaign.

In the Premier League last term, no Magpies player found the back of the net more than eight times. Callum Wilson was the only forward with more than five goals and January signing Chris Wood was only able to muster up two strikes.

This suggests that Howe is in desperate need of reinforcements in the final third as he did not have any outstanding goalscorers in the top-flight. Wilson's injury record means that he cannot be relied upon for an entire season and that is why bringing in another number nine is key.

Ekitike would be a fantastic addition to the squad as he caught the eye in Ligue 1 with a superb scoring rate. He scored 10 goals - and assisted three - in just 15 starts for Reims as he showcased his quality at first-team level, making himself a huge threat in the final third.

Therefore, he would be exactly what the Magpies need to bolster their attacking unit if he is able to adapt to English football.

This is why fans will be frustrated by the way negotiations are going over a deal for the Frenchman and will be dreading the prospect of Dan Ashworth pulling out of a move.

AND in other news, Howe can form "spectacular" duo as Newcastle eye "beautiful" £49.5m-rated dynamo...