Newcastle have offer accepted to sign Reims striker Hugo Ekitike

Newcastle have had an offer in the region of £33million including £8m in add-ons accepted for Reims striker Hugo Ekitike. 

The Magpies now face a race against time to get the 19-year-old signed before Monday night’s transfer deadline.

Ekitike is regarded as one of the best young strikers in France having scored eight times during his breakthrough season. 

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side could be in for a busy final day of the transfer window

Newcastle were in talks with Reims earlier this month – as revealed by Sportsmail on January 12 – but walked away from the deal.

However, they returned with their interest over the weekend and an agreement has now been reached with the Ligue 1 club.

The bonus for Newcastle is that, because of his age, Ekitike will not take up a place in their 25-man squad for the Premier League.

Ekitike has had a great season for Reims scoring eight goals in 18 Ligue 1 appearances

Boss Eddie Howe always wanted a young striker to compete with Callum Wilson, but when Newcastle’s No.9 was injured in late December, attention turned to a more experienced option. Burnley’s Chris Wood then arrived for £25m on January 13.

But Ekitike – who can play as a striker or on the wing – would represent another coup for Howe and the club’s new Saudi-backed owners, who completed a £35m deal for Lyon and Brazil playmaker Bruno Guimaraes on Sunday.

The teenager is said to be similar in style to former France striker David Trezeguet while scouts describe him as a number nine with strong playmaker qualities and a good finisher.  

Meanwhile, we understand a loan deal is now in place for Aston Villa left-back Matt Targett – including a loan fee – while centre-back Dan Burn is set to complete his £13m move from Brighton.