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

Liverpool's new signing Hugo Ekitike has revealed how a positive discussion with Arne Slot convinced him to join the club(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

New Liverpool star Hugo Ekitike has revealed how a "very good discussion" with Arne Slot convinced him to move to Anfield after a huge amount of interest in his signature this summer.

The Reds won the race to sign the French striker after a sensational season in the Bundesliga saw him score 22 times and turn the heads of many clubs across Europe.

Newcastle were on of the interested clubs and had a bid rejected by Frankfurt, with Liverpool then swooping in shortly after.

It became clear Liverpool were Ekitike's first choice as they quickly wrapped up a £79million transfer - and he has now linked up with the rest of his team-mates on their pre-season tour of Asia.

With the deal rubber-stamped, Ekitike has been giving his first interview and explained how Arne Slot's persuasive tactics helped seal the move, praising the Dutchman as a "really good coach and person"

READ MORE:Liverpool boss Arne Slot already commented on Alexander Isak as he asks to leave NewcastleREAD MORE:Arne Slot's telling phone call with Hugo Ekitike as £150m Alexander Isak deal on the cards

"We had a very good first discussion together," he told the club's official website.

"Obviously the coach is very human so we could talk not only about football [but] about everything.

Article continues below

"I find him very interesting and I was very pleased to see what I can do with him because I think he is a really nice guy and I can still improve and progress with him.

So, yeah, he is a really good coach and good person first, so that’s why he made me want to come here."

According to ESPN, Ekitike was won over by Slot during a video call where the former Feyenoord coach presented how the France star would fit into his tactical plans.

The Frenchman praised Slot as a "really good coach and person" after having a video call with the Dutchman(Image: PA)

A similar persuasion technique was used to bring Florian Wirtz to Liverpool for a British transfer record of £116.5m, with the player's father Hans-Joachim revealing how key Slot was in talks to sway him over a potential move to German club Bayern Munich.

Speaking to Der Spiegel he said: "Arne Slot has impressed Florian on the pitch.

He finds the game in England interesting because it thrives on pace and dynamism.

Article continues below

"Arne Slot presented his playing philosophy, the team tactics in possession and pressing, and how Florian can develop his strengths in these areas.
For more news relating to Newcastle United, visit our sister site NUFC Latest Live.