Hugo Ekitike looked set to become one of three deadline day signings completed by Newcastle United but doubt was cast over the deal after a fee was agreed.
At the start of the day, reports claimed that the Magpies had agreed a fee of around £25m for the 19-year-old striker.
Supporters began to get excited by the news as positive updates were also released regarding moves for both Dan Burn and Matt Targett.
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However, that joy may have been premature as rumours grew over Ekitike’s hesitation to make the move as such an early stage of his career.
He has enjoyed a brilliant campaign in Ligue 1 so far, scoring eight goals and providing three assists, only Wissam Ben Yedder has a better minutes per goal ratio and it seems he is keen to sustain that strong start by staying in his home country.
After hearing the news, Newcastle supporters flocked to social media to call upon the club’s current and former French representatives to convince Ekitike to make the Tyneside switch.
Allan Saint-Maximin was, of course, the main target of the comments but it was one of the former Toon favourites who was seemingly happy to rise to the challenge.
In response to
asking the Magpies winger as well as David Ginola to ‘get on the phone’ to the youngster, the latter tweeted: “I am here and ready to help!!”
Although he joined Newcastle 11 years older than Ekitike is currently, the flamboyant Frenchman would be the perfect man to endorse a move to the North East.
Ginola was worshipped during his two years at St James’ Park and would surely only be too happy to explain all the positives about a move to the Magpies.
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