An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United's pursuit of Reims striker Hugo Ekitike...

What's the talk?

According to 90min, the Magpies have had an offer of £29m rejected for the centre-forward and are now continuing talks with the Ligue 1 club to iron out a deal.

The report claims that the two clubs are not a million miles away from reaching an agreement, with discussions ongoing to find an acceptable fee as Newcastle eye a swoop for the attacker.

Howe would love him

Eddie Howe would surely love having Ekitike at St James' Park, as he is a bright young prospect who could make an immediate impact whilst also holding the potential to improve even further in the future.

In the short-term, the striker could come in and score the goals to help the Magpies out of the rut in which they find themselves. He has netted eight goals in 10 Ligue 1 starts this term, suggesting that he already has the quality to find the back of the net at the top level.

This means that he could hit the ground running on Tyneside and complement the likes of Callum Wilson and Chris Wood at the top end of the pitch. Howe could love to sign a player with a recent track record of performing well, and that is just what Ekitike can boast.

The ex-Bournemouth coach could also enjoy what the player could offer in the long-term. Journalist Graeme Bailey dubbed him an "outstanding talent" earlier this month, even calling him "the next Mbappe", and this suggests that the Reims predator has vast potential to be unlocked at the age of just 19.

He has already been able to showcase his quality in Ligue 1 at such a young age and could have room to develop into a great player with the right coaching and work rate. To be compared to one of the best players in the world in Kylian Mbappe illustrates the path he is on, and that is why Howe will be buzzing with the club's effort to sign him.

The Magpies boss will be keen to work with Ekitike on the training pitch to help him fulfill his potential, whilst also putting him in the team to deliver immediately to help Newcastle avoid relegation. It is now down to the club to reach an agreement with Reims to ensure that the 19-year-old is playing in the Premier League in the months and years to come.

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