NEWCASTLE UNITED have kicked off transfer deadline-day by having a bid accepted for Stade Reims striker Hugo Ekitike.

The Magpies will now be racing to try to tie up the deal ahead of this evening's 11pm transfer deadline, with 19-year-old Ekitike still having to complete a medical and agree personal terms.

At this stage, the exact price Newcastle will be paying for Ekitike is now known, but it is understood to be significantly lower than the €30m they were initially quoted for the teenager when they first inquired earlier in the window.

The Magpies held talks over the 19-year-old earlier this month, but took a step back when they were quoted prices of more than €30m for the youngster.

West Ham also held talks over Ekitike, and while Reims initially held firm on their valuation, their shifted their stance over the weekend, sparking renewed interest from Newcastle.

The Magpies still want one more attacking player today and while they had also sounded out the possibility of taking Eddie Nketiah on loan, Arsenal have closed the door on any prospect of a deal by insisting that Nketiah will not be leaving the Emirates.

The Jesse Lingard situation remains fluid, with Manchester United still reluctant to loan out the England international, so Ekitike became Newcastle's number one attacking target this morning.

Things are progressing at pace, with their offer to Reims having been accepted by the Ligue 1 club.

A France Under-20 international, Ekitike has been in excellent form with Reims in Ligue 1 this season, scoring eight goals in 11 Ligue 1 starts and seven substitute appearances.