Newcastle United are confident signing Reims striker Hugo Ekitike.

Newcastle are in advanced talks to sign Ekitike, following their failed January pursuit.

The 19-year-old has enjoyed a superb season in Ligue 1 and now looks to be the next addition for Eddie Howe heading into the 22/23 campaign.

ChronicleLive reports Reims officials have also been aware of interest from Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan, but Newcastle are now leading the race for the most prolific teenager in Europe's top five leagues this season.

Reims had ideally wanted a fee of around £25m plus more than £8m in add-ons, and those initial demands do not appear to have put Newcastle off as discussions continue on the structure of the deal.