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

Liverpool Move Fast to Land Hugo Ekitike from Under Newcastle’s NoseIn a summer window where precision matters as much as power, Liverpool are once again setting the benchmark for transfer

Liverpool are in talks to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike after discovering that Newcastle are unwilling to sell Alexander Isak to a Premier League rival

Liverpool are closing in on signing Eintracht Frankfurt's star striker Hugo Ekitike who lives a Champagne lifestyle with a love of bold fashion and bling, fast cars and banging in goals

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.

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.

Negotiations have begun with Eintracht Frankfurt over a move for forward Hugo Ekitike. The Reds have submitted a written offer in the region of £70million, and are already said to have agreed personal terms with the 23-year-old. That’s despite still being linked with a £120m swoop for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.

They add that Liverpool have even signalled to Frankfurt that they would be willing to pay their €100m (£86.6m) asking price, with an offer in that region now expected as the Bundesliga outfit target Franjo Ivanovic of Union Saint-Gilloise as his replacement and Ritsu Doan also arriving from Freiburg.

According to Sport Bild, Frankfurt are holding out for a higher fee, but Liverpool’s strong relationship with the Bundesliga club may smooth negotiations. Ekitike has reportedly expressed his desire to join the Reds and is now awaiting a club-to-club agreement.

BBC Sports Editor Dan Roan has been talking about the situation regarding Hugo Ekitike, Newcastle United and Liverpool.