Newcastle United have been given permission from Reims to speak to striker Hugo Ekitike ahead of a potential move this summer, according to a report.
The 19-year-old came close to moving to the Magpies back in January, before he ultimately decided to stay in Ligue 1 to continue his development for the time being.
Ekitike went on to score 10 goals and register three assists in 24 league appearances during the 2021-22 campaign for Reims, of which only 15 were starts.
It was recently reported that a five-year deal had already been agreed between Newcastle and the Frenchman, but only now have the Premier League side been given official permission to speak to the player by his current side, according to Sky Sports News.
The report suggests that positive talks were held regarding the five-year contract between Newcastle and the player's representatives, whilst a €30m (£25.6m) fee continues to be discussed between the two clubs.
Eddie Howe is on the lookout for attacking reinforcements in the club's first summer transfer window under the stewardship of its Saudi-backed owners, with the former Bournemouth boss keen to ease the burden placed on the shoulders of current striker Callum Wilson.
Matthew Tranter
