Newly appointed Newcastle United Sporting Director Dan Ashworth will arguably have a busy week at St James Park as the Magpies seek to seal the permanent signing of Hugo Ekitike.
The 20-year-old forward could sign with Eddie Howe’s managed club as a £25.6 million transfer deal is offered.
According to reports, Reims are expecting to hold talks with Newcastle “in the next couple of days”. On the other hand, the youngster teased his fans with a picture of him starring at his cell phone this morning.
Ekitike’s market valuation amounts to close to £30 million, including add-ons, as Newcastle seek to raid the French Ligue 1 side for the highly talented striker.
Dan Ashworth will be trying to beat competition from Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund and West Ham United for the signature of Ekitike.
Newcastle United are also pushing for the move of Sven Botman from AC Milan to reinforce their central defence ahead of the new season with the center-back on holiday.
Despite talks for the Lille defender taking a break, the new Newcastle United Sporting Director, in his third week in office, will reportedly try to negotiate for the move of Botman to the Premier League.
England goalkeeper Nick Pope is also on the radar of Newcastle United in the transfer window. Burnley are demanding a huge transfer fee, with the initial amount being £40 million, for the move of the goalkeeper, as his contract with the lower division side runs until 2023.
Ashworth will also be involved in the hunt for new club Under-18 coach after a backroom reshuffle last week after last season’s youth team coach Peter Ramage has switched to work in the club’s loan department alongside Shola Ameobi.
