Following the tragic death of Diogo Jota earlier this month, Liverpool are determined to recruit a marquee striker this summer. The Premier League champions have made significant moves to secure a new centre-forward, focusing their attention on two key targets: Alexander Isak from Newcastle United and Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt.

David Ornstein reported that Liverpool have officially contacted Eintracht Frankfurt over a potential transfer for the French forward Hugo Ekitike. Newcastle's £65 million offer for Ekitike was rejected, but Liverpool have now entered the fray, viewing Ekitike as a viable alternative should they fail to secure Isak. According to Ornstein, Liverpool's priority is to bolster their striker options while being open to offers for Darwin Nunez due to Luis Diaz's desire to leave Merseyside.

Jan Aage Fjortoft, an ESPN FC pundit, provided further insight, revealing that while Eintracht Frankfurt currently face no pressure to sell Ekitike due to their financial gains from Champions League qualifications and previous player sales, the 23-year-old forward has a clear preference to join Liverpool if he moves this summer. Explaining Eintracht's strategy, Fjortoft compared Ekitike’s price tag, estimated at around €100 million (£86.7m), with previous sales like Kolo Muani (€95m) and Karim Adeyemi Marmoush (€80m). Ekitike is relaxed about his future, appreciating the Champions League football at Frankfurt, but favors a move to Liverpool if it materializes.

Liverpool’s pursuit of Alexander Isak also intensifies, with reports suggesting the club is ready to offer just over £120 million for the Sweden international, potentially breaking their transfer record this summer. This bid might include player exchanges, underscoring Liverpool's urgency to secure a high-profile striker as they prepare to defend their Premier League title.

Liverpool ready to make Hugo Ekitike bid as Newcastle must make big Alexander Isak decision	Newcastle make Alexander Isak to Liverpool decision after huge Hugo Ekitike transfer bid	Alexander Isak to Liverpool transfer latest amid Newcastle approach and Hugo Ekitike 'decision'

In summary, Liverpool’s transfer strategy this summer centers on securing a top striker following Jota’s loss, with Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak as the primary targets. While Frankfurt currently hold the financial upper hand, Ekitike's preference leans towards Liverpool, which could influence the final outcome of this competitive transfer window.