Shock Hugo Ekitike claims arrive from France - Newcastle back in for PSG striker?

According to L'Equipe, Newcastle have reignited their interest in Hugo Ekitike and could make a third attempt to sign the young striker this summer.

They report that PSG are already looking to offload the 20-year-old after a disappointing first season in Paris, where he's started just 11 times and bagged four goals and three assists across 27 appearances in all competitions.

Back in June last year, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Ekitike was close to signing a five-year deal on Tyneside after the club agreed to pay €30m - plus €5m add ons - for his services.

However, he stalled on the move following interest from PSG and ended up joining the Ligue 1 giants instead; only to spend most of the season on the bench behind Messi, Mbappe and Neymar, as many on Tyneside predicted.

Almost 12 months later, L'Equipe report that we are still interested in the 6ft 3' forward, with Frankfurt, Juventus and AC Milan also keeping a close eye on his future.

PSG signed Ekitike on an initial loan which included an obligation to buy from Reims for £35m, so they may have to accept a swift loss on the France U20 star if they wish to get some of their money back.

Speaking last July, here's what Eddie Howe had to say about the striker:

“It’s no secret that we really liked Hugo, and we worked hard to try to do that deal. He’s a very talented lad.

“We tried to sign him in January and again this summer, but it wasn’t to be. He has decided to go to PSG, and there are no hard feelings towards the lad. We wish him well.

“We thought he was a real talent and he could have done a really good job for us. But that’s football, that’s the transfer window.

“They are the teams we are competing against. There is no guarantee you will get your top targets, because if you believe they’re that good then so do other clubs.

“I have no hard feelings toward him and wish him well in the next phase of his career. I really do wish him luck, but it is an example of the types of clubs we’re competing with to try and improve our squad.

“It’s not as easy as people think it is and you’re going to miss out on targets and look at other options. I’ve done that before in my career and I’m sure it won’t be the last.”