'Howe has not had the luxury to spend cash and keep competition for places'
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BBC News
8 hours ago
- BBC News
Newcastle explore record deal for Frankfurt's Ekitike
Newcastle have made a move to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo 23-year-old scored 15 goals and made eight assists last season as his side finished third in the said Newcastle are now exploring a potential deal to sign the Frenchman, who would likely cost more than £ the interest in Ekitike, BBC Sport has been told Newcastle have no interest in selling last season's top scorer Alexander Isak who has been linked with clubs across Europe including striker Isak, 25, joined from Real Sociedad in 2022 for £63m, which is currently the club's record only joined Frankfurt last summer after an initial loan spell from Paris St-Germain and is under contract for another four years. Newcastle finished fifth in the Premier League last season qualifying for the Champions week they completed the signing of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest for £55m as they look to strengthen their squad for the new campaign.
Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Newcastle make Alexander Isak to Liverpool decision after huge Hugo Ekitike bid
Newcastle are working on a transfer for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike in a move that will have knock-on effects for star player Alexander Isak this summer Newcastle are pushing ahead with a transfer for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike – and want him to partner Alexander Isak up front, not replace him. Ekitike contributed 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 games for Frankfurt last season to help them qualify for the Champions League. He has attracted interest from a whole host of clubs this summer, including Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United, but Newcastle are determined to land him. The Magpies are short up front after Callum Wilson decided to leave the club as a free agent, rather than sign a new deal. They completed a £55million deal for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga and now want to sign Ekitike to add real strength and depth up front. Newcastle have held talks with Frankfurt in Germany over the past week and have now stepped up their pursuit with further discussions while on a pre-season trip to Austria, according to Sky Sports. Ekitike, 23, has a release clause of €100m (£86m) and Frankfurt are in a strong position to negotiate, with the France under-21 striker under contract until June 2029. That fee is way above the club-record £63m fee Newcastle paid Real Sociedad for Isak in August 2022. Newcastle are trying to negotiate a lower fee of around €75m (£65m), but that potential transfer fee raises major questions about the club's finances. The Athletic reports that a move for Ekitike without selling Isak, who has been eyed by Liverpool, would create problems with the profit and sustainability rules. But Eddie Howe is certain that he wants both of the strikers and could play them alongside each other – something that would mean a change in formation. Isak scored 23 Premier League goals last season as the sole centre-forward and the arrival of Elanga increases the competition for places on the flanks, where Harvey Barnes, Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy play. Newcastle tried to sign Ekitike in January 2022, but a £20m transfer fell through on deadline day. They have continued to monitor his progress and have been impressed with his form for Frankfurt, who signed him in a deal worth €17.5m last summer. The German side have proven to be good sellers in recent years, letting Omar Marmoush go for €75m (£65m) to Manchester City in January and selling Randal Kolo Muani to Paris Saint-Germain for €95m in 2023. Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krosche recently told Sport1: "He's one of the most interesting strikers on the European market. Hugo has to decide that. I'm glad we have him. If he decides otherwise, that's our motto: If a player develops faster than us, we let him go." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Daily Mail
9 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Newcastle step up talks over potential club record move for Hugo Ekitike - and want the Eintracht Frankfurt striker to play alongside Alexander Isak
Newcastle United have stepped up talks for long-term target Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt in what could potentially be a club record deal. The Bundesliga side want £86million for the France international striker and Newcastle's initial discussions are some distance short of that, at around £65m. Talks have been ongoing since Newcastle saw another target, Joao Pedro, join Chelsea, and further meetings were held on Monday in Austria where Eddie Howe 's squad have arrived for their pre-season training camp. Newcastle's previous record outlay was the £63m paid to Real Sociedad for Alexander Isak. Liverpool have been monitoring developments with the Sweden international but Newcastle hope to convince him to stay for one more season at least and for Ekitike to play alongside him. Ekitike has been on Newcastle's radar since 2022 but has also attracted interest this window from Chelsea and Liverpool with Manchester United in the background. Ekitike, 23, has been a Frankfurt player since February last year when he joined from Paris Saint-Germain. He has scored 26 goals in 64 appearances for the German site, having netted four times in 33 outings for PSG. Ekitike won two Ligue 1 titles with PSG and was named in the Bundesliga Team of the Season for 2024-25. Newcastle's first game of the new season is scheduled for August 16 when Howe's side will travel to Aston Villa.
