Hugo Ekitike's view on Newcastle move after late bids from Brighton, Brentford & West Ham

It looks like Newcastle United remain in pole position to sign French wonderkid Hugo Ekitike, despite rival bids from THREE Premier League clubs.

Graeme Bailey - a former Sky Sports reporter currently at 90min - claims that the Reims striker is keen to seal a move to St James' Park, stating that we remain in 'advanced talks' over a deal 'worth just shy of £30m.'

However, it seems there's been late interest from Premier League rivals, with Brentford and Brighton believed to have launched £20m bids that include substantial add-ons.

West Ham are also interested and have made enquiries over an initial loan deal; an offer that won't appeal to Reims while Newcastle are prepared to pay big money to bring the 19-year-old to Tyneside this week.

Ekitike is the highest scoring teenager across Europe’s top five leagues so far this season, bagging am impressive eight goals and three assists in 17 Ligue 1. A player keen to join Newcastle over Brentford when the latter have offered less? Gabby Agbonlahor must be fuming.

It's thought Howe is eager to sign the player before Saturday's must-win clash with Watford, with the NUFC boss keen to sign one young striker with high potential AND a more experienced option who is proven at Premier League level.