Liverpool have made an approach for Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt as their competition with Newcastle over a new striker intensifies.
The Premier League champions have been in the market for a No 9 all summer and have contacted Eintracht over the availability of Ekitike, the subject of a failed £70m offer from Newcastle this week.
Alexander Isak tops the list of targets for Liverpool, who would be prepared to pay a British record fee to secure Newcastle’s centre-forward, but their understanding is the Sweden international is not for sale.
Whether Newcastle’s – or Isak’s – position changes remains to be seen, but Liverpool have several forwards under consideration and could scupper Eddie Howe’s move for Ekitike should they decide there is no prospect of a deal for Isak. The champions will have to act quickly to sign Ekitike if that is the case.
Newcastle remain in talks with Eintracht over the France Under‑21 international, who scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists in all competitions last season, his debut campaign in the Bundesliga.
Liverpool’s interest in the 23‑year‑old not only threatens Newcastle’s chances but improves the German club’s negotiating position. The former Reims and Paris Saint-Germain forward is believed to have a release clause of about €100m (£86.6m) and an auction between two Premier League clubs would encourage them to hold out for the asking price.
