Newcastle make Hugo Ekitike offer! Magpies launch blockbuster bid for in-demand striker and are 'pushing hard' to beat Premier League rivals to Eintracht Frankfurt ace

Newcastle United have tabled an official offer to Eintracht Frankfurt for Ekitike as per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The report claims that the Magpies' bid surpasses a €70m (£60m) offer made earlier this summer by another club, and Newcastle's camp are currently in Germany attempting to close the deal. Talks are ongoing with the German side, who are looking to hold out for close to €90 million (£78.1m) according to talkSPORT's Alex Crook.

Ekitike has become one of Europe’s most wanted young forwards after a stellar season in the Bundesliga, where he netted 22 goals and provided 12 assists. With Callum Wilson gone and their key summer target Joao Pedro lost to Chelsea, the urgency to add firepower to Eddie Howe's side has increased.

In 2022, Newcastle had attempted to sign Ekitike from Reims, but despite making two bids, lost him to Paris Saint-Germain. The 23-year-old Frenchman bounced back after a difficult spell with Les Parisiens and is now under contract with Frankfurt until 2029.

Negotiations continue with Frankfurt, with Newcastle hopeful of finalising the deal in the coming days. His potential arrival would rival Newcastle’s record signing of Alexander Isak, and the club is open to playing both strikers together. Ekitike’s €85m (£74m) release clause means Newcastle may have to break their transfer record to land him.