Newcastle can sign Hugo Ekitike this summer after Reims conceded that he will leave (Image: GETTY)
Newcastle have been handed the green light to sign 19-year-old Reims forward Hugo Ekitike, who came close to joining the Magpies at the eleventh hour on transfer deadline day in January. The St James' Park hierarchy believed they had a deal in place for the highly-rated teen before the Ligue 1 side dug their heels into the ground over the structure of the payments.
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West Ham and Wolves have also been tracking his performances closely and both are prioritising attacking reinforcements at the end of the season.
The Hammers held extensive talks with Reims over Ekitike in January but unlike Newcastle, they did not make any formal bid.
David Moyes still has his eye on Benfica's Darwin Nunez but he may now be out of West Ham's reach due to his £67m price tag that continues to soar.
Fulham, who have now sealed their return to the top-flight, have also been casting an eye over Ekitike.
Newcastle's opening offer was said to contain 'unrealistic' add-ons, according to Reims chief Caillot.
He previously declared in January: “They offered us €35million (£29m) in total but with many bonuses, some of which were almost impossible to achieve. Like winning the Champions League.
"We want €30m fixed and an extra €10m in achievable bonuses."
Despite increasing interest in Ekitike, Reims' demands regarding a potential fee are not believed to have changed since the winter window.