Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol has rejected any suggestion that Hugo Ekitike will struggle in the Premier League, and believes the Reds are about to sign one of the best young strikers in the world.

Ekitike’s move to Liverpool edged closer over the weekend with reports claiming a second bid was submitted by the club.

There’s a growing sense that he will sign for the Reds in the coming week, bringing Liverpool’s spending to around the $233 million (£240M) mark this summer.

The arrival of the 23-year-old could see Darwin Nunez move on after three mixed seasons at Anfield.

Eintracht Frankfurt star outlines Hugo Ekitike’s best qualities as Liverpool transfer draws closer	Liverpool 'near blockbuster deal for Hugo Ekitike' as Reds prepare to shatter Eintracht Frankfurt's transfer record for star striker	Liverpool near blockbuster deal for Hugo Ekitike as Reds prepare to shatter Eintracht Frankfurt's transfer record for star striker

There are similarities between Nunez and Ekitike, with both joining Liverpool ahead of their peak years after spells impressing at European clubs with a smaller profile.

Speaking on ESPN FC on Sunday, he responded to Frank Leboeuf’s opinion that he was unsure about Ekitike given he struggled at Paris Saint-Germain and has only had one hugely impressive season to date.

"That’s a little harsh Frank," Nicol said

Ekitike looks set to sign for Liverpool

"It’s not like players in the Bundesliga don’t have a history of scoring in the Premier League; Son Heung-min, [Erling] Haaland came from the Bundesliga, Bobby Firmino at Liverpool.

“The guy’s 23 years old, if, like [Darwin] Nunez, Ekitike doesn’t pan out, Liverpool is still going to get a big chunk of that money back.”

What looks most impressive about Ekitike is his vast range of skills