Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Liverpool continue to be linked with Alexander Isak.(Image: Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike remain prominent in Liverpool's pursuit of a striker, according to reports.

It has been claimed that the Reds are prioritising a number nine signing this summer with Darwin Nunez's future unclear on Merseyside.

The Uruguayan was on target during the pre-season opener against Preston North End as the striker marked his new look with a goal - scoring the second in a 3-1 win.



However, The Athletic have reported Napoli and now, Al-Hilal have registered an interest with a deal 'expected' to progress again soon.

His South American compatriot, Luis Diaz, has been the subject of interest from Bayern Munich and Barcelona but Liverpool have knocked back approaches from both European giants, and as the ECHO reported previously, he is not for sale this summer.

READ MORE:Darwin Nunez given clear Liverpool transfer message as Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich talk continuesREAD MORE:Khvicha Kvaratskhelia shows true colours as new Liverpool signing breaks silence

Richard Hughes has been busy at Anfield this summer after landing the blockbuster signing of Florian Wirtz, in addition to reinforcements in defence in the form of Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong.

However, the Liverpool sporting director is reportedly prioritising a number nine with the focus remaining on incomings.

Links with the Sweden international continue with Liverpool and have re-emerged following a surprise development in the saga surrounding Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.

The Reds had been mooted with the Frenchman's services but it is being widely reported that the former Paris Saint-Germain forward is the subject of fresh interest from the Magpies.

The Chronicle reported that Newcastle are not planning on drafting in the 19-goal Bundesliga forward as a replacement for the talismanic Swede.

The outlet adds that Eddie Howe's side staged secret talks in Germany last week, with the discussions leaked to the local press in Frankfurt.

Newcastle are in active talks with the forward and the North East club are pushing to see whether they can land the attacker but face the prospect of talking the Bundesliga side down from their £86million asking price.

As a result, the Chronicle adds, Liverpool have been placed on alert on two counts as Newcastle look to offer a fee closer to £70m with incentives, with the Reds keen on Isak.

The former Real Sociedad goal-getter was said to be identified as one of Arne Slot's top targets earlier this summer, but the stance seemingly remains that their evolutionary forward is not for sale.

Article continues below

The report from the North East continues to claim that Ekitike was viewed as a back-up option for Liverpool should they fail to land Isak's signature and that may prompt a response from transfer figures at Anfield.


For more news relating to Newcastle United, visit our sister site NUFC Latest Live.