Newcastle make first official offer for Chelsea target

Newcastle United have made an opening bid to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Magpies finished fifth in the Premier League last season and thereby qualified for the Champions League. They recently signed Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga and could bolster their attack even further.

According to Romano, the Tyneside outfit have made a formal bid for Ekitike. Eddie Howe's side have reportedly offered more than €70m. Their proposal is higher than what was offered by another club, likely Chelsea.

Chelsea were keen on landing Ekitike shortly after Liam Delap's arrival, but eventually signed Joao Pedro from Brighton. The Blues are still in the hunt, but could be reluctant to enter a bidding war with Newcastle.

Eintracht value their striker at around €100m, but could be willing to accept a lesser fee up front with add-ons. Newcastle plan to partner Ekitike with Alexander Isak and have no plans to sell the latter this summer.