Newcastle United managing director Amanda Staveley has confirmed they tried to sign Reims striker Hugo Ekitike in January.

Staveley admits they looked at the 19 year-old seriously last month.

The director told The Athletic: "We looked at all the players available in Europe, America, everywhere.

"There were a few young players we wanted to bring in like (Hugo) Ekitike, but he wouldn't have been a player for today, he would have been an investment for the future."

Reims eventually priced Ekitike out of a move away, with clubs across Europe keen on the striker.