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Eintracht Frankfurt board member for sport Markus Krösche has sent a strong message to suitors of Hugo Ekitike.

Liverpool are believed to hold an interest in the French striker as an option for the No.9 postion at Anfield.

The Reds were handed a significant boost for the Frankfurt star man after Chelsea’s attempts to secure the French forward before the Club World Cup deadline collapsed.

The 22-year-old has emerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers following an impressive breakthrough season in the Bundesliga, scoring 22 goals in all competitions.

Up until that point, Chelsea had reportedly been in the lead for his signature and it was thought the Blues would wrap up the deal for the former PSG man ahead of Liverpool.

The primary obstacle preventing any immediate deal has been Eintracht Frankfurt’s unwavering stance on Ekitike’s valuation.

Sporting director Markus Krösche has made it clear that the club will not lower their €100 million (£84.3 million) asking price.

Richard Hughes and Co would not doubt want to chip that fee down.

But according to Frankfurt’s sporting director, that won’t happen.

“If the price isn’t right, then he’ll simply stay with us,” Krösche said to regional paper Wiesbadener Kurier as quoted by Bulinews.

“We don’t have to sell Hugo.”

It would be difficult to see the Reds fork over €100 million for a such a young, relatively unproven player.

Frankfurt’s valuation of their star striker has steadily increased throughout the season, rising from an initial €80 million to a potential €100 million fee.

This escalation reflects both Ekitike’s continued development and the departure of his strike partner Omar Marmoush to Manchester City during the winter transfer window.

Sky Germany have confirmed that Liverpool have held preliminary talks with Ekitike’s entourage, with Arne Slot keen on the striker.

Eintracht Frankfurt, buoyed by their Champions League qualification, are under no pressure to sell.

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