Newcastle United are closing in on a deal for Reims' 19-year-old striker Hugo Ekitike.

The France Under-20 international is the Magpies' preferred target after it became clear Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah was not for sale.

Ekitike has scored eight goals in 19 appearances this season.

He would add to Newcastle's attacking options after signing New Zealand forward Chris Wood from Burnley for £25m earlier in January.

Newcastle, 18th in the Premier League table and one point from safety, are also interested in defenders Dan Burn and Matt Targett.

They have agreed a fee of £13m for Brighton central defender Burn, 29, although League One club Wigan - his former club - are due around 20% of the profit made from their £4m sale of the player in 2018.

Aston Villa left-back Targett is wanted on loan until the end of the season.