Newcastle transfer news: Hugo Ekitike concern emerges as club-record offer is ‘rejected’

Newcastle United have reportedly seen a club-record offer for in-demand striker Hugo Ekitike rejected by Eintracht Frankfurt.

The Magpies are on the lookout for a new centre-forward this summer following the departure of Callum Wilson upon the expiration of his contract last month.

Previous reports have suggested that Newcastle may consider swooping for free agent Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who left Everton when his contract expired on June 30.

However, Ekitike has been admired by Eddie Howe’s side for some time and he is thought to be the Magpies' leading target ahead of the new season.

It was reported earlier this week that Newcastle had submitted their first official bid to Frankfurt for Ekitike on Monday worth higher than €70m (£60.9m).

Newcastle told to increase club-record offer for in-demand Ekitike

According to Sky Sports News, Newcastle held talks with Ekitike's representatives in Austria on Monday and their bid was valued at a club-record £70m, but it was turned down by Frankfurt on Tuesday morning.

Frankfurt are said to believe that there are other clubs who have signalled their willingness to pay more for the France Under-21 international, whom they value at £85m (€98m).

Sky Sports News reporter Keith Downie claims that the prospect of Newcastle striking an agreement with Frankfurt ‘looks unlikely’ at present considering their tight budget, with the Magpies potentially capable of increasing their offer no higher than the £75m mark.

Newcastle’s current transfer record stands at £63m which they forked out to sign talisman Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad in August 2022, while fellow Sweden international Anthony Elanga sits second on the list after completing a £55m switch from Nottingham Forest last weekend.

Liverpool ‘expected to rival’ Newcastle for Ekitike after Isak approach

The Magpies attempted to sign Ekitike from his boyhood club Reims in 2022, but they were beaten to his signature by Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Howe’s side now appear to be in danger of losing out in the race for Ekitike for a second time, as Sky Sports News claims that Premier League champions Liverpool are expected to rival the Magpies for the Frenchman.

Liverpool have allegedly approached Newcastle to discuss a record deal for Isak, but the Reds have been told that the 25-year-old - who is valued at least at £150m - is not for sale in this window.

Ekitike, who has previously been linked with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, has emerged as an alternative for Liverpool and he is widely regarded as one of the best young striker in Europe having established himself as a star player in the Bundesliga with Frankfurt.

The 6ft 3in striker failed to make the desired impact at former club PSG, scoring just four goals in 33 games, but he directly contributed to an impressive 34 goals in 48 matches for Frankfurt across all tournaments last season, scoring 22 goals and providing 12 assists for a side who finished third in the Bundesliga and have qualified for the Champions League.

Written by
Oliver Thomas