Fulham are eyeing a summer move for French teenage forward Hugo Ekitike as they contemplate summer additions to their striking options ahead of a return to the top flight, according to the Daily Express.
The 19 year-old could be set to leave Reims this summer having scored nine goals in 22 Ligue 1 appearances. Ekitike came close to joining Newcastle United on transfer deadline day, but the French club claim that there is significant interest from across Europe in the young striker. Manchester United and Chelsea have been credited with interest in 6ft 2in centre forward, whilst Wolves and West Ham have sent scouts to watch the French under-20 international this season.
Fulham boss Marco Silva is believed to be keen to supplement his forward line for the Premier League, with only Rodrigo Muniz – who joined from Flamengo last summer – and Jay Stansfield as back-up for Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, whose 41 goals have powered the club’s promotion push this season. But Reims are ready to begin a bidding war for their prized asset – with reports suggesting they will hold out for at least £30m.
Having watched last night’s game against forest, we will need all the help we can get. It seems a bit churlish what with being promoted. But we were very poor. When we have players like Decordova Reid and to a lesser extent Seri playing so ineffectively . You realise the cupboard is fairly bare.
Quality players will be at a premium so we need to be looking at the ones that we will be able to afford.