Fabrizio Romano issues NUFC update as conflicting claims emerge on TWO Toon targets
Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has issued updates on Newcastle's interest in Monaco's Benoit Badiashile and Reims' Hugo Ekiteke.
Starting with Badiashile, Romano claims we have turned to the 6ft 4' centre-back now a deal for top target Sven Botman has 'collapsed.'
L'Equipe reported earlier today that we may be forced to end our interest in the Frenchman, claiming he was set to be sidelined for 6 weeks after suffering an injury on Sunday, however Romano reports that today's scans suggest he'll be back within 2-3 weeks.
If the latter is true, it seems we'll retain our interest in striking a deal for the 20-year-old, although we'll face competition from West Ham.
As for Hugo Ekitike, there are also confusing claims surrounding the highly-rated Ligue 1 striker.
Graeme Bailey (90min) maintains that we are in 'advanced talks' to sign the 19-year-old in his latest piece today, yet Romano insists that Reims will reject our initial offer and would like a sell-on clause to be included in any sale; making this a 'complicated' deal to do.
Here's what he's had to say on both of the above:
Romano on Badiashile:
'Newcastle are keen on Benoît Badiashile after Botman deal collapsed. West Ham are also interested. Nothing agreed yet.
'From today’s medical tests, AS Monaco expect Badiashile to be back with the team in 2-3 weeks. Timing will be key to understand next steps.'
Romano on Ekitike:
'Reims are not intentioned to accept Newcastle opening proposal for talented striker Hugo Ekitike. Deal more than complicated - there's interest also from West Ham but nothing advanced yet.
'Reims want also a sell on clause included into potential Ekitike deal.'
