EDDIE HOWE claims Newcastle United’s failed attempt to sign Hugo Ekitike highlights just how hard it will be for the club to recruit the type of player they need to compete at the highest level of the European game.

Newcastle thought they had landed Ekitike when they agreed a deal with Reims last month that would have seen them pay around £30m as an up-front payment for the 20-year-old striker, with a further £5m of add-on clauses.

However, while Reims officials were happy with the Magpies’ offer, Ekitike opted to hold out for a move to Paris St Germain.

The youngster’s representatives were unable to strike a deal, with Newcastle’s recruitment team quickly sensing his mind was elsewhere.

Ekitike completed a season-long loan move to PSG this weekend, with a view to a permanent transfer next summer, and while Howe insists he bears no ill feelings to the forward, he admits the long-running saga highlights just how hard it is to recruit world-class players at a stage of Newcastle’s development when they are unable to offer European football.

“It’s no secret that we really liked Hugo, and we worked hard to try to do that deal,” said Howe, who leads his side into the second game of their Austrian training camp as they take on German side Mainz tomorrow. “He’s a very talented lad, and he decided to go to PSG.

“I have no hard feelings toward him and wish him well in the next phase of his career. I really do wish him luck.

“But it is an example of the types of clubs we’re competing with to try and improve our squad.

“It’s not as easy as people think it is and you’re going to miss out on targets and look at other options. I’ve done that before in my career and I’m sure it won’t be the last.”