>>149789432
The actual full section of the Ornstein-penned article, this part not not written by Ornstein:

>Analysis by Newcastle correspondent Chris Waugh

>There has been a transformation in mood and also momentum in Newcastle’s window. After what felt like a slow-burn start, with near-misses on several targets, suddenly there is optimism about what can be achieved ahead of their return to the Champions League.

>Caution must be applied, because a fee is yet to be agreed with Frankfurt and Newcastle have twice tried and failed to sign Ekitike before, in the January and summer windows of 2022, yet even being seriously in the conversation for the Frenchman once more underlines the ambitions of the ownership.

>Should Newcastle conclude this deal, then Ekitike would represent a marquee signing, similar to when Alexander Isak arrived in August 2022 and Sandro Tonali joined the following July. Ekitike is a player with elite potential and would really boost Newcastle’s firepower.

>The obvious follow-up question is what this means for Isak’s future, and the insistence is that Newcastle want to boast both among their frontline options. How Eddie Howe would keep that pair plus Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga happy is unclear, and the finances involved in retaining them all will stretch Newcastle from a PSR perspective, but those are enviable “problems” to have.

>Concluding a transfer of this magnitude is not straightforward and it is far from complete yet, but this latest development feels extremely encouraging for Newcastle fans.

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