By Wayne Veysey

31st Jan, 2022 | 6:16pm

Sources: Hugo Ekitike makes mind up on joining Newcastle after breakthrough in talks

Newcastle United target Reims striker Hugo Ekitike has rejected a move to St James’ Park, Football Insider understands.

Ekitike has been a target for Newcastle throughout this month’s transfer window and they thought they had made a breakthrough in their pursuit after agreeing a fee with Reims on deadline day.

A recruitment source has told Football Insider that after weighing up the move Ekitike, 19, has snubbed the chance to move to Newcastle and is set to remain in France.

The Frenchman is under contract at Reims until 2024.

This site broke news earlier today that the Magpies were working on a £25million deal to sign the forward.

Football Insider updated shortly after to reveal that a deal for Ekitike, as well as Aston Villa’s Matt Targett, had been agreed.

But the latest twist will see Ekitike remain at Stade Auguste Delaune, where he has registered eight goals and four assists in 20 outings this term.

Ekitike is in only his first season as a senior member of the senior Reims squad but has made an indelible impression on Ligue 1.

Magpies striker Callum Wilson is out long term with a calf injury, while fellow hitman Joelinton is also currently sidelined with a knock.

Targett and Brighton defender Dan Burn are set to become the fourth and fifth signings of the PIF regime on Tyneside.

This site revealed today that Burn, 29, was undergoing a medical ahead of his switch.

Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood and Bruno Bruno Guimaraes have already joined from Atletico Madrid, Burnley and Lyon respectively.

In other news, Middlesbrough working on last-gasp Ciaran Clark signing from Newcastle United.