It was long thought Hugo Ekitike would sign for Newcastle United, but he appears to have loftier ambitions.
Hugo Ekitike may end up staying at Reims in this transfer window as he waits on a move to Real Madrid or Barcelona.
Newcastle United have long since agreed a deal with Reims for the forward, but the transfer has not progressed further.
Reports have suggested the demands of Ekitike’s agent have put off Newcastle, while the 20-year-old has continued to be linked to other clubs.
And Oscar Garcia, the Reims coach, revealed on Friday the player is in no hurry to leave.
Wantaway Reims stars are said to have a July 10 deadline to secure moves, and with purported interest from Madrid subsequently dismissed, Ekitike’s short-term future could still be in Ligue 1.
Garcia told a news conference: “He told me that he wanted to stay, but if Real Madrid or Barcelona arrive…
“I feel Hugo is calm. I spoke with him. He will have no problem staying at the club – and neither will I.”
Ekitike scored 10 goals and assisted three more in the league last season, contributing a goal involvement every 98 minutes on average.
Attempting only 31 shots, his conversion rate of 32.3 per cent was the second-best among players with 20 or more attempts across Europe, far outperforming his expected goals total of 7.0.
As well as Newcastle and Madrid, Ekitike has been linked with Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain.
