Having received a “not for sale” reply from Newcastle regarding Alexander Isak, Liverpool have made their move for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, according to numerous reports. The 23-year-old has already accepted Liverpool’s proposal of a six-year contract, and the talks between the two clubs are progressing quickly.

Liverpool’s initial plan was obviously to try and sign Isak, but even a sum of £120million – including add-ons – apparently wasn’t enough to tempt Newcastle to change their stance. The Magpies were interested in Ekitike themselves, but having seen offers rejected by Eintracht, they’ve now pulled out of that race and left the path clear for Liverpool.

The fee that Liverpool and Eintracht are now discussing for Ekitike should amount to more than €80million.

Ekitike joined the Bundesliga side from Paris Saint-Germain on an initial loan in January 2024, which was made permanent the following summer. In all competitions, the French forward has scored 26 goals and produced 14 assists across 64 appearances for Eintracht.