Sky Sports are reporting this morning that Newcastle are still in talks with Reims about their talented 19-year-end striker Hugo Ekitike.
And the good news is that Ekitike is keen to join Newcastle this month.
The urgency of getting a striker in has quickly diminished, with Burnley’s 30-year-old Chris Wood joining Newcastle for around £25M today – said to be the release fee in his contract.
But it may be even less than that.
Sky Sports report that Newcastle and Reims are getting very close to a deal for Ekitike and both clubs want to do the deal this month.
The latest is that Newcastle want to pay £22.5M upfront and then £2.5M in potential add-ons based on performance for the impressive young Ekitike, who has scored 8 goals in 18 games in Ligue 1 this season.
Newcastle also want to give Ekitike a five-year contract, and you have got to believe his wages will be a lot more than what he’s getting at the French club.
Here’s a piece from Sky Sports News’ correspondent Dharmesh Sheth:
“Talks are still ongoing between the two clubs. There’s still a will to get this deal done. It’s worth around €30M (£25M) – that’s €27M (£22.5M) upfront, with add-ons making it around €30M.”
“I’ve also been given a few details about the payment structure. It would be spread – like a lot of transfers are – across the proposed five-year contract.”
“As it stands there’s still a small gap in the valuation between what Newcastle want to pay and what Reims want.”
“Significantly, the player does want to come to Newcastle.”
This looks very promising, and it’s not an urgent signing as long as we can get it done this month.
But on the other hand, if we are that close – do the deal and get him in – it will add to the momentum and the fact that players are willing to join the newly rich Newcastle this month.
What we do need is a new center-back for Saturday’s game, but that’s now looking doubtful, with any new player needing to be registered tomorrow by noon to be able to play against Watford.
What do you think?

140 comments so far
DayvanCowboy
Jan 13, 2022 at 1:52 PM
Comment #81Yeh, hard pass for me on DVDB, think there are better options to be explored, Marc Roca at Bayern would be a better option.
Tom
Jan 13, 2022 at 1:52 PM
Comment #82The Dyslexic God
Jan 13, 2022 at 10:32 AM
Comment #45
From that I take it was simon376 who published this yesterday. Very informative.
sorry but it was me who put the rules on the blog yesterday
DONEGAL NUFC IRL
Jan 13, 2022 at 1:53 PM
Comment #83Defo can go do one though
Davas28
Jan 13, 2022 at 1:54 PM
Comment #84RAJ #74
That was my first thought when I read it. I also wondered what sort of headlines the toxic press could craft from it 🙂
TTB@W ARMY
Jan 13, 2022 at 1:55 PM
Comment #85We still have our 2 loan slots to fill. Ramsey and Henderson perhaps.
theartfuldodger
Jan 13, 2022 at 1:56 PM
Comment #86I would take Donny Van de Beek. He has what we are missing, the skills to unlock defences with deft flicks and through balls. Of course, he would come only if he was assured of game time, and thats the catch….Will he be up for the fight ?
cleveleysbob
Jan 13, 2022 at 1:56 PM
Comment #87Rob @ #33.
I’m pretty sure that for registration of overseas players, the PL gives clubs a pass on the provision of documentation.
Basically, so long as you get the registration details down to them prior to noon on Friday, then a player can play on Saturday. They are happy to wait a few days for the other stuff to arrive. Visas, work permits etc.
webbonufc
Jan 13, 2022 at 1:58 PM
Comment #88TDS
My suggestion of Defoe is not a joke no. We need a striker, he’s experienced, free, proven and will help the squad learn their trade. His age is irrelevant, he can still do it. Him not getting played is irrelevant. His previous clubs are irrelevant. He’s better and fitter than Gayle at 39. We are in a dogfight and we need players like him who nick goals out of nothing. I’d rather take a punt on him than some 19 yo kid nobody has ever heard of for 30m. Just because we have money doesn’t mean we have to spend it and waste it
jimiley
Jan 13, 2022 at 2:00 PM
Comment #89Van Beek offered to us?
He must be crap.
The top 6 will not do business with us as they want us Togo down. Neither Solksjar nor Ralph pick him in a poor manure team.
So if they are offering him to us we should stay well clear.
Have we ever bought a good player frommanure( one not 35) or a good Dutch player. Great at Ajax but crap in our league eg van Beek
Better than we have? So what and maybe not
jimiley
Jan 13, 2022 at 2:01 PM
Comment #90No to van Beek but yes to Digne and Coutinho. Just what we need
cleveleysbob
Jan 13, 2022 at 2:02 PM
Comment #91If, there’s a deal close, I’d prefer it to be a CB right now, although integrating into set up with virtually no time to train will probably rule out Saturday anyway.
I’d certainly like to see a couple of new faces coming through door in next few days even if they can’t play until following week. New faces always spur on existing squad performances.
Mund
Jan 13, 2022 at 2:04 PM
Comment #92Víctor Fernández speaking to:
@DeportesCopeSE
? “Sevilla does not want to sell Diego Carlos, but the club is concerned”
“The player’s salary is being tripled and Diego Carlos is pushing”
#NUFC
ToonDarnSarf
Jan 13, 2022 at 2:05 PM
Comment #93webbonufc – I 100% and strongly disagree on Defoe. Plus, I completely refute some of the arguments you list. It is absolutely relevant that he’s been released by Rangers and it’s absolutely relevant that he’s 39.
A 39 year old striker who can’t get a game for Rangers and hasn’t played at the top level for years isn’t going to come into the PL and be able to perform. If you want him as a striker coach, fair enough, but I don’t see how he would have any value to us as a player. A 19 year old lad has potential, Defoe does not.
CLINT FLICK
Jan 13, 2022 at 2:06 PM
Comment #94Cheers mund
I reckon dvb is worth a spin on loan. He’s got a lot to prove, he might just work his ass off yrying to get to the WC with Nederlands…and he might feel appreciated and allowed to fo his thing for us.
ToonDarnSarf
Jan 13, 2022 at 2:06 PM
Comment #95Ever bought a good Dutch player? Krul, Gini, and Janmaat spring to mind. Anita wasn’t a bad squad player either.
Mund
Jan 13, 2022 at 2:07 PM
Comment #96DONEGAL
Definitely have the option mate
CLINT FLICK
Jan 13, 2022 at 2:07 PM
Comment #97Willems
Mund
Jan 13, 2022 at 2:08 PM
Comment #98Clint
Man U are bracing themselves for loans for Lingard, Martial, DVB and Henderson.
I’d be all over everyone of them and hopefully get at least one
IrishRob
Jan 13, 2022 at 2:08 PM
Comment #99Literally every single one of my Manure friends all say DVB plays better than any midfielder they have when he comes on, they are all Literally foaming at the mouth that he barely gets a see the pitch over McFred.
They are the ones who see this team week in week out and see DVB play far more often than any of us do.
Honestly I’d take their opinion over anyone from ours or other fanbases.
Hes lightyears ahead of what we have. Is he the talent everyone expected him to be, that argument I’d leave for another day, but honestly how on earth can a player be judged amazing or bad if he never gets 90mins week in week out
Raj of Hailsley
Jan 13, 2022 at 2:08 PM
Comment #100Usual everyday shitehousery from Jimiley.
Mund
Jan 13, 2022 at 2:09 PM
Comment #101Sky Sports News
@SkySportsNews
“I’m looking forward to the weekend and playing in front of that home crowd.”
#NUFC’s new signing Chris Wood speaks to the media about the pressure of becoming the main striker but was not aware he was the most expensive 30+ player in Premier League history.
https://mobile.twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1481629050703593474
CLINT FLICK
Jan 13, 2022 at 2:09 PM
Comment #102Mund
I’d pay for Lingard’s flight, possibly piggyback the bazza.
Mund
Jan 13, 2022 at 2:10 PM
Comment #103Clint
Need some help? 😉
Mund
Jan 13, 2022 at 2:10 PM
Comment #104Newcastle United FC
@NUFC
·
1h
Get kitted out ahead of Saturday’s game at St. James’ Park! Fisted hand
Following the signing of Chris Wood, we’re offering 15% off everything on our online store until 9am on Saturday! Free worldwide delivery on all orders.
Use code NEW15 at the checkout
jimiley
Jan 13, 2022 at 2:11 PM
Comment #105I would dispute all 3 as top players. Gini is a good player but never quite top notch.Slways sold on and weak playing away even for bindippers We sold Krul and Janmaat.
But a good effort. Tip my hat
CLINT FLICK
Jan 13, 2022 at 2:11 PM
Comment #106DvB could be the missing link!
Lingard in a London second, and probably take the others as padding, on loan.
CLINT FLICK
Jan 13, 2022 at 2:12 PM
Comment #107Mund
Howay, we can tek torns…
Or i can hire a truck fron manc.
ToonDarnSarf
Jan 13, 2022 at 2:12 PM
Comment #108Man Utd rarely sell a player who does much after he leaves. There are a few examples (Stam, Pogba, Beckham & Pique spring to mind) but generally why would they?
Players like Phil Neville, Butt, Brown, and Forlan did ok for other clubs though. Ok, Butt was a let down for us but was solid for Birmingham I believe.
Raj of Hailsley
Jan 13, 2022 at 2:14 PM
Comment #109Chris Wood played in that Good Friday fixture that night for Leeds and the atmosphere was electric, so he knows what it’s all about, however, when he’s wearing that Black and White shirt on Saturday and he busts the net he’s going to experience something different altogether.
Mund
Jan 13, 2022 at 2:14 PM
Comment #110Clint
I’m good with taking turns mate let’s bring them home 😎
webbonufc
Jan 13, 2022 at 2:15 PM
Comment #111TDS
I think you misunderstand what I’m saying. I’m not saying bring him in and play him 30 games a season just a bit part player. If he played 20 mins it would still amount to more than what Gayle has contributed.
He may not have played because he’s fell out with the manager, it happens. When shearer wasn’t getting played by Gullit does that mean he wasn’t good enough for the club?
I think people are getting carried away with the money we have. People think oh let’s just pay 40m for this player and he’ll be great. You can spend nothing and be a hit
jimiley
Jan 13, 2022 at 2:17 PM
Comment #112You missed Ronaldo
Yes to Carlos big no van de Beek
Would rather have a full back and playmaker than centre back but hopefully all 3
ToonDarnSarf
Jan 13, 2022 at 2:18 PM
Comment #113webbonufc – there’s a whole range between spending £40m on some unproven youngster that we’ve never heard of and signing a 39 year old has been from the Scottish league who will almost certainly either retire from playing or play in a lower league.
Raj of Hailsley
Jan 13, 2022 at 2:20 PM
Comment #114I thought Nicky Butt was a fantastic signing by SBR……… until he played 😕
Mund
Jan 13, 2022 at 2:20 PM
Comment #115https://mobile.twitter.com/NUFC/status/1481632066689241092
IrishRob
Jan 13, 2022 at 2:21 PM
Comment #116“What’s the difference between a Kangaroo & a Kangaroot?
One’s a Marsupial, the other is a Geordie stuck in a lift….”
magscar
Jan 13, 2022 at 2:24 PM
Comment #117Jail
As i recall Wood scored in injury time in that mnatch
Leeds atmosphere can be electric as well but lets hope he can do what Willock did for us and get 7-8 decisive goals
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
Jan 13, 2022 at 2:24 PM
Comment #118Why are we not being linked with any left backs???
Is it just me or I am I missing something!?!?
Richie cannot play in a flat back 4 (which Howe prefers), Lewis is injured and the jury is still out on him and Dummett physically can’t cope with playing the position!!
We could have the best CB in the world but if Richie is still there we will always concede daft goals from that side
cleveleysbob
Jan 13, 2022 at 2:25 PM
Comment #119Pretty sure that rules are only 1 x player from another PL Team, so if 4 available, which one?
For me Henderson all day and every night. Top keeper, love him to come here.
Other positions we can fill with who we want, just loan Henderson, now! 🙂
jimiley
Jan 13, 2022 at 2:25 PM
Comment #120Watford are better team than Burnley.
I think we are fighting with them for the relegation place. Massive game this weekend. If we win more will come.
We have to win