Newcastle agree to sign Hugo Ekitike and Matt Targett in stunning deadline-day blitz
Newcastle United have agreed deals to sign Reims striker Hugo Ekitike and Aston Villa left-back Matt Targett, Football Insider understands.
The big spenders have had a bid accepted by Reims for Ekitike, 19, of around £25million and he is expected to sign by Monday night’s deadline.
A Newcastle source has told Football Insider that the club have also a deal to take Targett, 26, on loan from Villa for the rest of the season.
Villa have given the green light for Targett to leave following the arrival of Lucas Digne earlier in the window.
Earlier today, a Newcastle source told Football Insider that Newcastle were now holding talks over a late move for £25million-valued Ekitike.
He is now set for a medical after Newcastle agreed a deal at the second time of asking.
Speaking to French publication Le Quotidien Du Sport on 19 January, Reims president Jean-Pierre Caillot confirmed Newcastle tabled a bid worth a potential £29.3million (€35million) for Ekitike earlier this month.
Targett has fallen down the pecking order at Villa Park and could come straight into the Newcastle side to face Everton on 8 February.
Jamal Lewis is still sidelined with a hamstring injury and Paul Dummett has only recently returned after almost a year on the sidelines.
Both players boost Eddie Howe’s options as he looks to guide his side away from the relegation zone.
Ekitike and Targett will join Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood and Bruno Guimaraes as the Toon’s newest recruits.
Dan Burn is also undergoing a medical in another boost to Howe’s defensive options.
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