Liverpool are said to have reacted to Newcastle shutting the door on Isak talks by launching a bid for Ekitike, and Fabrizio Romano reports on Thursday morning that they are now ahead of the Magpies in the race to sign the French forward. The Reds expect to sign Ekitike if all hopes of an Isak deal end.

Liverpool’s summer transfer plans continue to unfold with intrigue as reported by Graeme Bailey for Rousing The Kop. Despite their active pursuit of Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool are not walking away from their long-standing admiration for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.

HUGO EKITIKE has agreed a six-year deal with Liverpool ahead of a move from Eintracht Frankfurt. While the two clubs are still talking, the French striker, 23, has informed the Reds he wants a

Newcastle had wanted to partner Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike in attack, but have ended their interest in the Frenchman who now looks set to join Liverpool

Can they afford him? What would the deal mean for Isak? Our reporters dissect the news Newcastle are in talks to sign the French forward

Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, and while some fans had their hearts set on Alexander Isak, there is every reason to be optimistic. The Reds may not have secured their first-choice target,

Liverpool have agreed personal terms with Hugo Ekitike but face negotiating with Eintracht Frankfurt to get the deal over the line

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.

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.

Newcastle tried and failed to sign Hugo Ekitike in 2022 and have seen a new club-record £70m bid turned down this week; the Magpies want Ekitike to play alongside Alexander Isak; Newcastle have held t