Manchester United’s pursuit of a new striker this summer has been frustrating and riddled with near misses.
The club began the window with interest in Liam Delap, holding talks with Ipswich before the youngster chose to join Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTREDEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Then came Viktor Gyokeres, a long-standing target since Ruben Amorim’s arrival.
The Swede now looks set to join Arsenal in the coming days.
Victor Osimhen was another name on United’s radar, however Galatasaray remain firm on signing the striker permanently.
With three major targets slipping away, United’s shortlist is shrinking.
Hugo Ekitike is also under consideration, having enjoyed a breakout season with Eintracht Frankfurt – scoring 15 goals and providing 8 assists in the Bundesliga.
However, United now look set to miss out once again, as one of their main striker targets edges closer to a Premier League move elsewhere.
According to Julien Laurens for ESPN on X, super-agent Ali Barat is currently in Newcastle to finalise a deal for Ekitike, with the proposed transfer valued at €80 million.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTREDEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Frankfurt had hoped to keep the 23-year-old ahead of their UEFA Champions League campaign, but Newcastle have pushed ahead.
Newcastle had prioritised the deal for Ekitike to get over the line, after their recent miss of Joao Pedro, who joined Chelsea instead.
The Magpies are looking to strengthen their squad following a fifth-place finish last season and have already signed Anthony Elanga and Antonito Cordero this month.
With Callum Wilson departing, Eddie Howe is eager to add depth and quality to a forward line already led by Alexander Isak.
If finalised, Ekitike’s arrival would be a major statement of intent from Newcastle as they prepare to battle for a top-four spot.
For United, though, it’s yet another target slipping through their fingers in a summer that has so far delivered more setbacks than signings.
Super agent Ali Barat is currently in Newcastle to finalise the Hugo Ekitike deal. Around 80m euros for the French striker from Frankfurt who had a great last season in the Bundesliga. @ESPNFC
— Julien Laurens (@LaurensJulien) July 14, 2025
