Newcastle United’s pursuit of Hugo Ekitike has all but fallen through after the 20-year-old’s agent requested more money when a deal had previously been agreed, resulting in Paddy Kenny telling the Magpies to give up and turn their attentions elsewhere.
Eddie Howe needs a striker ahead of next season as Joelinton (4), Chris Wood (2) and Dwight Gayle (0) scored fewer goals between them than Callum Wilson (8). Ekitike is an exciting prospect who could have thrived at Newcastle, but his representative’s greed appears to have killed the deal.
Kenny says Howe doesn’t want to waste time with players that aren’t serious about joining. He believes the Newcastle manager wants his squad complete for pre-season, so the Magpies should focus on transfer targets that actually want a move.
Kenny told Football Insider: “We have been talking about this for weeks and nothing has happened. I think Eddie Howe wants players in for the start of pre-season and it doesn’t look like Ekitike is going to be arriving anytime soon.”
Newcastle have been in talks over the uncapped Frenchman for months and had a fee agreed with Stade Reims to bring him to St James’ Park, but the selling club requested more money after the face and his agent did the same, so Howe won’t be held to ransom.
Kenny says Newcastle should pull out of a deal, adding: “They should move on. There are other players out there. I wonder if they can go out and sign a more proven striker at this level.
“Signing a good attacking talent is a good move but I think, in the short term a top-class Premier League experienced player would be a better way to go. They want players in as soon as possible so I wouldn’t be surprised to see bids going in over the next few days.”
Ekitike scored 10 goals with three assists in 23 Ligue 1 games this season, so he’s got great potential but isn’t the finished article yet.
In other news, Gabriel Agbonlahor says Newcastle ‘won’t want’ to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin
