West Ham could lodge new bid for Hugo Ekitike as Newcastle progress on deal – report
West Ham could lodge a rival bid for French striker Hugo Ekitike after Newcastle made progress on a bid for the Reims star, according to The Telegraph.
The 19-year-old star has been linked with a move to the Premier League this winter and West Ham have reportedly had a bid turned down already by Reims [Le10 Sport].
However according to The Telegraph, Newcastle have now made strides in their attempts to sign him and are close to agreeing a deal with the Ligue 1 club.
According to their report, Newcastle are likely to pay a higher up-front fee than initially offered with bonuses taking the deal up to around £33m.
They say that with the Hammers still eyeing the deal, they could return with a rival bid formally considering the progress that the Magpies have made on a potential deal.
Race against time
This is a big money deal regardless of where Ekitike ends up, but West Ham arguably have the bigger need for him.
They are desperate for an attacking signing to come in and offer competition and cover for Michail Antonio up front, while the 19-year-old is also capable of playing on the wing.
He has good speed, great finishing and some solid link up play in his weaponry as shown by his eight goals and two assists in France this season.
West Ham will have to move quickly to get a deal done ahead of Newcastle considering the progress already made, but a deal is there to be done if they want to match the bid made.
Then it becomes a straight choice by the player, and Moyes will have to work his Scottish charm to get it over the line in time.
In other West Ham news, West Ham up against it to get ‘Spectacular’ deal done before 11pm – report