Newcastle United are making advances in their pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitiké, while Liverpool are also in the picture.
The Bundesliga club have rejected an €80m bid from the Magpies and continue to demand €100m for the striker.
On Wednesday, Bild reported the Tyneside club’s new offer is expected to arrive shortly. They also said Liverpool have identified Ekitiké as a backup to Newcastle star Alexander Isak.
Later that day, claims from the UK reported the Reds had contacted Eintracht Frankfurt for the 23-year-old as Newcastle insist Isak isn’t for sale.
Sky Deutschland journalist Florian Plettenberg took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to cover the latest on Arne Slot’s side and Newcastle’s pursuit of the Frenchman.
He claims Liverpool are ‘willing to pay more than’ what Newcastle have offered for Ekitiké, meaning over €80m, and the German club have been informed about it.
The journalist adds Eddie Howe’s side haven’t agreed terms with both Eintracht Frankfurt or the striker so far.
Liverpool can take advantage of this situation to move forward to secure the player’s services.
According to the German press, Ekitiké is unlikely to be sold this summer if Liverpool or Newcastle don’t offer €100m, which feels like posturing.
