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

Hugo Ekitike is at the heart of a Liverpool and Newcastle United transfer tussle according to reports(Image: KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images) )

Liverpool's search for a striker is hotting up with both Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak earning a place on the club's shortlist.

With now less than one month until the new season starts, the next few weeks could play host to an extremely hectic transfer tussle between three clubs.

With Isak, the Reds hold a long-term admiration for a striker who has become one of the Premier League's finest over three years.

Despite suggestions elsewhere, the ECHO understands at this stage no club-to-club contact has been made, but now Newcastle's reluctance to sell has a challenge it could come to meet head-on in the near future.

Meanwhile, Ekitike, an alternative striker fresh from a 22-goal season with Eintracht Frankfurt, has the talent to suggest he will go on and achieve great things, but Liverpool face active competition from their Premier League rivals if attempting his signing.

READ MORE:Liverpool PSR position explained as Alexander Isak transfer considered amid Hugo Ekitike interestREAD MORE:Liverpool could repeat move Jurgen Klopp called 'insane' and unlock next phase of Arne Slot plan

Here, the ECHO analyses the latest on this brewing transfer saga with a key update from Germany.

According to German publication BILD, Ekitike is personally holding out for a move to the Premier League.

Like many strikers before him, the move entices him.

At present the strongest chance to achieve this dream would be to join Newcastle, who have pushed further than any club who he has been linked with over the past few months.

Reports from Frankfurt would suggest his club are holding out for €100m (£87m) after rejecting a lesser offer worth €80m (£69m).

But the 23-year-old is then said to be 'keeping other options open', the Premier League champions being the main one.

The same report then outlines how Liverpool are 'toying' with the prospect of convincing Newcastle to sell Isak to them but then managing to also land Ekitike ahead of their Premier League rivals.

To be factored into such a scenario is the outcome of Darwin Nunez's summer, with the Uruguayan likely to depart if a suitable offer above £50m arrives.

Selling one and signing both gives Arne Slot two centre-forwards to pick from.

What isn't covered in detail is the difficulty of successfully carrying out this plan, as Newcastle will only reluctantly sell Isak while doing all they can to make sure they are not left short-changed without a striker themselves before the season starts.

Article continues below

Ekitike has emerged as their top target.

Whichever way this situation goes, St.
For more news relating to Newcastle United, visit our sister site NUFC Latest Live.