Premier League champions Liverpool are reportedly in advanced negotiations to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike in a deal worth around £70 million.
Multiple sources suggest the Reds are pushing to finalise the transfer by this weekend, as they look to bolster their attack with a prolific central striker. Ekitike, 23, is said to be open to the move and is viewed as a key target for Liverpool’s revamped frontline.
Newcastle United had a £70m bid for Ekitike rejected by Frankfurt, and Liverpool’s offer is expected to exceed that figure.
Ekitike impressed last season, scoring 15 goals in 31 starts as Frankfurt secured a third-place finish in the Bundesliga.
Known not just for his goal-scoring ability, he also recorded eight assists, ranking him in the top 6% of chance-creators among Bundesliga forwards.
He led the league in total shots (117) and registered an expected goals (xG) tally of 21.6, the second-highest in the division.
While Liverpool have also shown serious interest in Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, the Magpies remain firm that the Swedish striker is not for sale at any price.
The Merseyside club have been busy in the transfer market, having already signed midfielder Florian Wirtz in a British-record £116 million deal, alongside full-backs Milos Kerkez (£40m) and Jeremie Frimpong (£30m).
Meanwhile, Newcastle are expected to accelerate talks with Brentford for Yoane Wissa in the next 24 hours after falling behind in the race for Ekitike.
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