Liverpool appear ready to extend their high-profile summer transfer business by targeting French striker Hugo Ekitike.
Newcastle have already submitted a bid for the Eintracht Frankfurt forward, but according to *The Athletic*, Liverpool have now made contact with the German club as well.
The Magpies saw a £65 million offer for the 23-year-old rejected, despite Ekitike coming off a breakout season in which he scored 22 goals — the best of his career so far.
*talkSPORT* reports that Frankfurt remain firm on their €100 million (£87 million) valuation. Until recently, Ekitike was seen as a player who had yet to meet expectations. He originally burst onto the scene at Reims in 2021 and was once tipped to be a star for France. However, a disappointing stint at Paris Saint-Germain — where he struggled for minutes — slowed his momentum.
With Newcastle showing strong interest, Liverpool have now entered the race, aiming to bolster their attacking options. The Reds are currently open to offloading Darwin Núñez, who has a market value of £59 million.
Before showing interest in Ekitike, Liverpool reportedly approached Newcastle with a proposal to pay a British-record £120 million for Alexander Isak. Newcastle, however, rate the Swedish forward at £150 million.
At this stage, both Isak and Ekitike remain priced well beyond what Liverpool are prepared to spend.
Commenting on the Ekitike situation, *talkSPORT’s* Ben Jacobs explained:
“Right now, Frankfurt are holding firm at €100 million. I believe Chelsea, for example, are considering waiting until later in the summer in case the price drops.”
