Newcastle United may have tied down Aston Villa’s Matt Targett to a permanent deal this month after a successful loan spell last season, but they are yet to welcome any fresh faces through the doors this summer.
After turning them down in January, Hugo Ekitike now seems certain to join the Magpies this month after Eddie Howe’s side reached a transfer agreement with Reims for the 19-year-old. While Nick Pope has now been lined up as the club’s next shot stopper.
Here is all you need to know about the current state of play on both of Newcastle ’s pursuits for Pope and Ekitike, as the Magpies look to get a number of deals over the line this summer.
Burnley goalkeeper Pope has been one of the standout performers for the Clarets in recent seasons but his heroics between the sticks weren’t enough to deny their relegation to the Championship on the final day of the 2021/22 campaign, and he is now expected to depart the club this summer.
Sky Sports reported on Thursday that the Magpies are now interested in signing Pope, who is keen to remain in the Premier League next season. The shot-stopper wants to keep one eye on his place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this year.
However, although Howe is keen on adding to his goalkeeping department ahead of next season, the Northern Echo have reported that Newcastle are likely to wait until after Pope has held talks about his future with new Burnley manager Vincent Kompany before making any official move.
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Nonetheless, the Magpies are confident that they can secure the this summer. The 30-year-old has also expressed his desire to be first choice goalkeeper at his next club, and although Martin Dubravka currently has that title at St. James’ Park, it is thought that the Burnley man would take that from him should he arrive.
In the meantime, Amanda Staveley and Co. remain locked in negotiations for the transfer of Reims striker Hugo Ekitike. Howe is beginning to get frustrated at how progression for a deal to be completed has stalled somewhat of late, despite the Ligue 1 club’s president confirming that a bid had been accepted for the striker 16 days ago.
Speaking to FranceBleu.fr on June 2, Jean-Pierre Caillot said: “Yes. Today, it is very concrete. And on the table there is one that suits us very well. An offer which, in my view, is sportingly interesting for the player and it is now up to him to make his choice, it is not for me to do so. From now on, it is his advisers who must move forward on this file.”
The French side had already accepted a bid from the Magpies for Ekitike back in January, but the young striker opted to remain at Reims for the remainder of the season in order to continue his development. Now, the 19-year-old is happy to move on but that latest report from RMC Sport on Friday had suggested that there is no guarantee he will join the Magpies.
But on Thursday afternoon Sky Sports confirmed personal terms are now close to being agreed between Newcastle and the player. It's a significant step for Newcastle who will likely now wrap up a deal in the coming days.
