Liverpool Beat Newcastle to Hugo Ekitike as Transfer Saga AcceleratesAs the summer window intensifies, Liverpool have made a decisive move in the race for Hugo Ekitike, beating Newcastle United to

Liverpool are desperate to add a new No.9 to their squad ahead of the new season, but will have to look elsewhere now that Alexander Isak no longer seems to be an option

Thierry Henry reportedly said Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike “does not do the basics very well” as Liverpool close in on their target. Having been given a firm no to Alexandar Isak’s availability, Liverpool have instead targeted Ekitike and a deal for the 23-year-old is said to be close to completion.

Newcastle want Ekitike. Liverpool want Isak. Is there a world in which selling one and bringing in the other makes sense for Eddie Howe?

The Reds are recruiting from a position of strength having secured the Premier League title last season but know they must spend big to acquire their long-term No.9. They have whittled their search down to two players: Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitiké and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.

Newcastle United continue to be linked with several players this summer with the latest reports linking them with Benjamin Sesko, Nicolo Savona, Giorgio Scalvini and Cesar Tarrega

Liverpool have made contact with Eintracht Frankfurt over a possible move for Hugo Ekitike, who is also being targeted by Newcastle United. The Athletic reported on July 14 that Newcastle tried to secure Ekitike via an offer worth around €75million (£64.9m; $86.9m), which was turned down by Frankfurt.