Newcastle United 'fail with bid to sign Hugo Ekitike'

Newcastle United have reportedly been unable to get a deal over the line for Reims forward Hugo Ekitike.

Earlier on Monday, it was revealed that the Magpies had been successful with a bid for the in-demand 19-year-old, said to be in the region of £20m and £25m.

After clearing that stage in negotiations, it was assumed that the remainder of discussions would progress rapidly, but it appears that Newcastle have ultimately missed out on one of their priority targets.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Ekitike's preference is to remain at his current club until at least the end of the season.

Newcastle are also unhappy with Reims' demand to insert a substantial sell-on clause, with the French outfit wanting 30% of any future fee.

The North-East outfit are still attempting to get deals for Dan Burn, Matt Targett and Jesse Lingard over the line before Monday's deadline.