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Report: Newcastle want to bring Mbappe-like talent to St James’ Park this month

Lee Connor

Mon 10 January 2022 16:15, UK

Newcastle United have added another name to their January shopping list, this time in the form of young French striker, Hugo Ekitike.

Ekitike, 19, is making waves in Ligue 1 with French side Stade Reims. He’s already scored eight goals this season in just games, with a further four assists to boot. And according to the , Newcastle United have added him to their extensive list of attacking options in January.

Newcastle are desperate to bring in a new striker this month. Callum Wilson’s injury – he’s out for eight weeks – has only accelerated that process. Ekitike, who has been to French superstar Kylian Mbappe, is the latest name to be added to the list.

This weekend has seen a host of players linked. Patrik Schick of Leverkusen is among those names, as is Burnley striker Chris Wood. Beyond that, longer-term targets like Dominic Solanke continue to be mentioned.

Newcastle’s FA Cup exit this weekend will have prompted new owners PIF into action. Despite some promising displays so far under Eddie Howe, Saturday was a stark reminder of how far Newcastle have got to go.

TBR’s View: Hugo Ekitike A Promising Talent But Is Another Risk

We keep saying this on TBR, but Newcastle simply have to get people in who are going to make an impact now. That means getting proven players in, not up and coming teenagers.

Sure, Ekitike has promise. He’s flying for Reims and looks every bit the quality player. After all, you don’t get compared to Mbappe without having a bit about you. But is he going to solve Newcastle’s problems right now? We’re not sure.

Among the names linked, there are others with more experience and goal-threat. Ekitike might well do the business in the long-term, but right now, the Toon need someone to fire goals in between now and May.