Liverpool are assessing all of their options for a new number nine but are still yet to decide.

It comes as no surprise to anyone that the Reds want a new striker as they have been pretty public in their pursuit, with many names being linked.

Alexander Isak is, and will likely always remain, Liverpool’s ‘dream’ target but as he looks unattainable this summer, they will have to look elsewhere.

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike is said to be the ‘back-up option’ and is the most likely to join at this stage than any other striker, although Newcastle seem to have jumped the queue for his signature.

Hugo Ekitike 'very open' about transfer plans as teammate shares Liverpool and Newcastle stance	Forget Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool could already have a new striker without having to spend anything – opinion	Newcastle step up talks over potential club record move for Hugo Ekitike - and want the Eintracht Frankfurt striker to play alongside Alexander Isak

However, one of the Frenchman’s current teammates has suggested what will happen to the 23-year-old if he does not make the switch to Anfield, and it may give the Reds some hope.



Photo by Simon Hofmann – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

Ekitike is certainly hot property this summer and as well as Liverpool and Newcastle, Chelsea and Manchester United were also interested.

The Frenchman’s £86m price tag is what was putting most teams off but Frankfurt could be willing to negotiate, with all the signs suggesting that he would leave.

However, his current teammate Timothy Chandler has indicated that if Ekitike does not move to a team like the Reds, then he will still give his all for the German club next season.

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“He’s very open about it; we talked about it on the first day.

If he stays here, he’ll do anything for Eintracht,” Chandler told German outlet BILD.

“I completely believe him.

And I also know that even if he ends up staying here, he’ll give it his all.”

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The 23-year-old is currently in negotiations over a potential transfer to Newcastle, but that does not mean the Reds cannot hijack the deal .

However, as mentioned, the German club’s asking price is very high, something that could mean a deal collapses and he stays in the Bundesliga for one more season.

Newcastle very rarely move away from their trusted 4-3-3 formation, with Isak the man who plays as the sole striker whenever he is available.

This makes the Magpies’ move for Ekitike a strange one as surely it suggests that the Swede is leaving either this summer or next, with Eddie Howe very unlikely to use a formation with two strikers.

That being said, the Reds might hope that their deal for the 23-year-old goes through despite missing out on one of their own targets in the process.

Nobody is too sure just yet how Newcastle will handle this situation but it could certainly be one to keep your eye on in the coming weeks.


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