Newcastle enter Ekitike race

According to The Telegraph, Newcastle have entered the race for the signature of Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike.

Manager Eddie Howe apparently wants two high-quality options for each of the three attacking spots in his team, and while the flanks are covered in that aspect – Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes on the left, Jacob Murphy and new signing Anthony Elanga on the right – the centre-forward role belongs to Alexander Isak alone, with no suitable competition or cover. On the other hand, there are those who believe Ekitike’s arrival could open the door for Isak to leave.

The Magpies were interested in signing Joao Pedro from Brighton, but Chelsea won that race, and consequently withdrew their own interest in Ekitike. That goes for Manchester United as well, after the Red Devils completed the Matheus Cunha deal and continue to push for Bryan Mbeumo. Still, Newcastle are aware that Liverpool remain strong contenders for the services of the 23-year-old, after the recent tragic passing of Diogo Jota, and with Darwin Nunez closing in on a move to Napoli.

Ekitike’s contract with Eintracht, valid until 2029, is believed to contain a €100million release clause, and at this point, it seems the Bundesliga side aren’t prepared to sell for anything less.