Newcastle United supremo Dan Ashworth has another busy week ahead of him with the Magpies hopeful of making their second permanent signing of the summer in Hugo Ekitike.
The £25.6million deal could be struck just days after the forward's 20th birthday with the player marking the end of his teens today. Sources at Reims have told Chronicle Live last night they expect talks with Newcastle "in the next couple of days" while Ekitike teased supporters with a picture of him looking at his cell phone this morning.
The overall package for Ekitike could amount to close to £30million when add ons have been included as Newcastle look to close in on one of the most exciting talents in Ligue 1. United are trying to win the race to sign the French youth international despite interest from Borussia Dortmund and West Ham.
READ MORE: Newcastle close to another exciting signing after transfer fee agreed as overhaul continues
The other well-documented deal that Newcastle are pushing for is Sven Botman of Lille with the centre-back now on holiday. United have stayed calm on Botman so far but as of last night still had not been told "no" meaning Ashworth and co will not pursue a different target until they have a final decision from the Lille star.
United have been offered a host of Botman alternatives but are trying to stick to a clear recruitment plan after months of whittling down their shortlist. The addition of Matt Targett has allowed Eddie Howe to at least move on from a chase for other targets at left-back.
The other name on the list for United is England goalkeeper Nick Pope but relegated Burnley are demanding a huge transfer fee. At one stage the amount was as high as £40million and the Clarets are protected by Pope's contract which runs until 2023 although there is also interest from Southampton and West Ham.
Ashworth starts his third week in the job at St James' Park and will help oversee the search for the club's new Under-18 coach after a backroom reshuffle last week. Last season's youth team coach Peter Ramage has now switched to work in the club's loan department alongside Shola Ameobi.
