NEWCASTLE UNITED will seek an urgent medical update on Hugo Ekitike after their summer transfer target suffered a hamstring injury in the early stages of this evening’s Toulon Tournament semi-final.

Ekitike was playing for France Under-20s against Mexico when he pulled up in obvious discomfort just five minutes into the game.

The striker, who already had a considerable amount of strapping on his leg, then hobbled to the touchline and left the pitch, accompanied by a member of France’s medical staff.

Newcastle have agreed a fee of around €30m with Reims for the teenager, and while discussions remain ongoing over a series of add-ons that will be included as part of the deal, it had been hoped a transfer could have been wrapped up at the start of next week.

Ekitike’s representatives have indicated that the striker is keen to move to Tyneside, having rejected the opportunity to join Newcastle in order to remain with Reims in January, and the intention was ti stage a medical and finalise personal terms next week.

It remains to be seen whether this evening’s developments result in the transfer being placed on hold, with the full extent of Ekitike’s hamstring issue yet to be ascertained.

While a hamstring injury would not ordinarily scupper a transfer deal, the fact Ekitike missed a large chunk of the second half of last season with a similar issue is a potential cause of concern.

The striker suffered a hamstring problem at the end of February, and did not appear again for Reims until May 8.

He was involved in Reims’ final three games of the Ligue 1 season, appearing as a substitute against Lens and St Etienne before starting against Nice, but it appears as though this evening’s latest setback is a recurrence of the problem that sidelined him for almost three months.