Tony Masibo
Newcastle United target Hugo Ekitike wants game-time assurance before he agrees to a deal to join Eddie Howe’s side.
Having been on the Toon’s radar for over a year, Ekitike turned down a move to St James Park in January with doubts over sufficient playing minutes at the Magpies being the stumbling block in his switch to the Premier League.
Reports indicated that at the onset of June, Newcastle had agreed a £26 million fee for the 20-year-old Frenchman, but a deal has yet to mature.
According to The Athletic, Newcastle still believe they will sign Ekitike even though the ace is reluctant to sign due to game time uncertainties.
Ekitike is apparently afraid of fighting for a first team place as regulars Callum Wilson and Chris Wood are a real threat to his starting line-up chances at St James Park.
Even though he is versatile, Hugo Ekitike will not arguably walk into Newcastle United’s first XI as he will also fight for a starting berth with Allan Saint-Maximin being a regular starter at the Toon.
