Paris Saint-Germain leading the race for Hugo Ekitike

Paris Saint-Germain are at the front of the queue to sign Stade de Reims’ Hugo Ekitike, per Foot Mercato.

According to the report, Les Parisiens are readying a €45 million bid with incoming PSG director Luis Campos, who is set to replace Leonardo, already working on the deal.

Ekitike is wanted by Newcastle United, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich with Manchester United also believed to have made an enquiry over the striker.

However, it is the Ligue 1 champions now thought to be favourites to land the highly in-demand 19-year-old off the back of a breakout campaign which yielded 10 goals in 23 appearances across all competitions.

Speaking to L’Equipe ahead of his side’s final league outing on Sunday, Ekitike opened up on Newcastle’s attempt to sign him in January and also stated his plans for the future ahead of what is set to be an eventful summer.

“I respect this great club (Newcastle) a lot but it happened quickly, it was not the timing,” the Frenchman said.

“It was better to stay here, to do a full season, to confirm.

“These rumours make me smile because it gratifies my work and I feel like I exist.

“It pushes me to give the best of myself – I always want to progress and be the best.

“I consider myself ready for anything whether it’s staying here or taking on a challenge that everyone agrees on.  

“For my part, I will be quiet, because I am surrounded by the right people to manage this.”

After successfully fending off interest from Real Madrid to keep hold of Kylian Mbappe, PSG look set to be active in the upcoming transfer window with a lot of arrivals and departures tipped to materialise.

Argentine winger Angel Di Maria is closing in on a move to Juventus, while Mauro Icardi and Julian Draxler are facing uncertain futures at Parc des Princes.

However, Nuno Mendes’ loan switch is expected to be made permanent which could also see the likes of Layvin Kurzawa and Juan Bernat depart the French capital.