Liverpool have reportedly opened negotiations with Eintracht Frankfurt regarding the signing of striker Hugo Ekitike after the Bundesliga club rejected Newcastle United’s €80million (£70m) offer for the French forward.
According to the Daily Mail, the Reds are prepared to break the British transfer record for the second time this summer as they pursue Newcastle’s top striker, Alexander Isak.
However, should Isak prove difficult to acquire, The Athletic reports that Liverpool would turn their attention to securing Ekitike instead.
Liverpool previously shattered transfer records with their £116million signing of Florian Wirtz, but they could be willing to spend up to £125million in pursuit of the Sweden international Isak.
Newcastle remain steadfast that Isak is not for sale but are eager to strengthen their attacking options, showing interest in bringing in Ekitike.
Meanwhile, Eintracht Frankfurt are determined to hold firm on their valuation of Ekitike, who is contracted to the club until 2029 after signing a permanent deal last summer.
Eddie Howe’s side have pursued Ekitike on multiple occasions, with attempts made in the summer of 2022 and again during the January transfer window this year.
Despite these efforts, Newcastle have struggled to bring in new signings this summer, having sold Sean Longstaff to Leeds United without securing replacements.
Liverpool, on the other hand, are reinforcing their squad following their 20th league title but are still looking to add another striker.
Secondary targets discussed on Merseyside include Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa.
Elsewhere, Liverpool have rejected an initial bid from Bayern Munich for Luis Diaz.
The Bundesliga champions’ £58.5million offer fell short of Liverpool’s £86million valuation of the Colombian winger.
Similarly, Napoli have shown interest in Darwin Nunez, but their opening offer of £55million plus add-ons did not meet Liverpool’s asking price for the Uruguay international.
Beyond Newcastle and Liverpool, Ekitike has attracted interest from other Premier League clubs.
Manchester United reportedly enquired about his availability earlier in the window, while Chelsea considered him before opting to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich and former Brighton forward João Pedro.
Read more: Liverpool make contact over Bundesliga star as striker search intensifies
