Newcastle are among the teams interested in signing Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Writing on his X account, Romano said that the Magpies are “keen” on the Frenchman, with several other clubs also pursuing his signature:

“Hugo Ekitike keeps attracting interest from the Premier League with Newcastle keen on the striker. More Premier League clubs remain informed on the situation, after Liverpool and Chelsea calls in June. Al-Hilal and Al-Qadsiah called in recent weeks but his priority is Europe.”

The claim from Romano will raise eyebrows, mainly because of how much Ekitike could potentially cost. Frankfurt are said to be demanding €100m (£86m) for the player.

Newcastle have tried to sign Ekitike before

The forward was originally a target for the club when he was still playing for Stade de Reims back in the summer of 2022.

Ekitike had just had a breakthrough campaign, but he ended up turning down a deadline-day £25m move to St James’ Park in favour of joining Paris Saint-Germain.

Things didn’t work out for the 23-year-old at PSG and he ultimately moved to Frankfurt on loan before sealing a switch to Germany on a permanent basis. Last season, he scored 22 goals in all competitions for the Bundesliga side.

Does this have implications for Isak’s future?

It is easy to put two and two together and suggest that the interest in Ekitike is related to doubts about Alexander Isak staying at Newcastle.

The Swedish international has been heavily linked with a transfer to Liverpool. However, negotiations over a contract extension are underway.

It may simply be the case that Ekitike is being eyed by manager Eddie Howe as a precaution if Isak starts pressing to leave the club.

In other news, Newcastle have reportedly “begun discussions” to sign a Chelsea defender who has a £26m asking price