Newcastle United are plotting another move for Hugo Ekitike, hoping to sign the striker to play alongside Alexander Isak rather than replacing him.
Ekitike has attracted interest from Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United this summer with his 22 goals last season helping Eintracht Frankfurt qualify for the Champions League.
A huge €100million (£86m) release clause poses a major stumbling block for any side looking to prise him away from the Bundesliga.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Newcastle have made contact with the Frenchman’s representatives, informing them of their desire to sign the striker even if it means paying that clause in full.
It will be Newcastle’s third attempt to sign the France Under-21 international having initially been rejected in favour of Paris Saint-Germain in 2022.
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The Magpies have already strengthened their attack this summer, confirming the arrival of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest in a £55m deal on Friday.
The Sweden international will compete with Jacob Murphy for a role on the right with Anthony Gordon and Harvey Elliot options on the left.
Having missed out on Joao Pedro who rejected them to join Chelsea, Newcastle want another striker to complete a stacked forward line ahead of their return to the Champions League.
Their pursuit of Ekitike is therefore not regarded as an attempt to find a replacement for Isak, but to provide cover and competition for the Swede.
The report adds Newcastle still have no interest selling last season’s top scorer.
Arsenal are long-term admirers of Isak but have moved on this summer, in talks to sign his countryman Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP.
Liverpool meanwhile have also been linked with a move. Previous reports have indicated it would take a bid close to the world record £200m fee Paris Saint-Germain paid Barcelona for Neymar in 2017.
Elanga meanwhile played a vital role in Forest’s campaign last season with his focus now on Newcastle’s mission to secure more silverware.
‘I’m ready to put on this black-and-white top to really fight for this team and give everything for the passionate fanbase that lives and breathes football,’ Elanga said.
‘I had an amazing two years at Nottingham Forest, they really helped me to become the player I am today, but I’m really happy to be here now.
‘The club won a trophy last season and are building something unique, something special that I really want to be part of.’
