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Hugo Ekitike is said to prefer a move to Liverpool over Newcastle this summer as the two clubs remain in a standoff over Alexander Isak.

The Reds’ pursuit of a new striker has been stepped up massively this week, with approaches made for both Isak and Ekitike in the past couple of days.

The first move for Isak was made on Tuesday, with Liverpool making its interest in securing a deal worth $161 million (£120M).

Newcastle sent an instant response, insisting that the Swedish international remains not for sale, although the Magpies’ attempts to land Ekitike also fell flat, with Eintracht Frankfurt rejecting an opening $94M (£70M) offer.

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James' Park.

That’s according to Jan Aage Fjortoft at least, who has told ESPN FC that the striker would prefer to play for Liverpool, although Ekitike remains calm about the situation.

“If Liverpool can’t get Isak, maybe they will go for Ekitike,” Fjortoft said.

“But, he is very relaxed because he knows he can play in the Champions League with Eintracht Frankfurt, and Eintracht Frankfurt, for the first time in a long, long time, they don’t have to sell because they have already done that with Champions League qualification and the sales of Marmoush and Muani.

“But I can tell you, Ekitike prefers Liverpool Football Club.”

Fjortoft also insists that Frankfurt does not consider Ekitike for sale, but after previously selling Randal Kolo Muani and Omar Marmoush for big money, it will take at least $116M (€100M) to land the Frenchman.

Ekitike is also described as the “joker” in Liverpool and Newcastle’s standoff, seemingly confirming that the former will go after him if a deal for Isak continues to elude them.

Liverpool.com says: It will be fascinating to see how this one plays out over the next few weeks, or maybe even just the next few days.

Liverpool has clearly made a power play and left Newcastle with an ultimatum - sell Isak and it can sign Ekitike, or keep Isak and the Reds will steal Ekitike away.

Where Newcastle goes from here will be interesting

You can certainly understand its stance over Isak, but keeping him and potentially missing out on Ekitike could be a huge gamble if he doesn’t sign a new contract.

We’ll wait and see how this one pans out, but Liverpool looks like it might be in a strong position.


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