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Eintracht Frankfurt are looking to replace Liverpool transfer target Hugo Ekitike in a £25m deal(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool have received a boost in signing Hugo Ekitike after being dealt a blow by Chelsea in their pursuit of Alexander Isak.

The Reds have been busy in the summer transfer window, splurging more than £200million on Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Armin Pecsi and Freddie Woodman, as well as Giorgi Mamardashvili, whose deal was agreed last summer.

Yet, they are still looking to conduct more business, with Arne Slot eyeing a world-class striker as he looks to defend his Premier League crown next season.

One player being linked with an Anfield move is Frankfurt’s 23-year-old striker Ekitike.

Liverpool have been linked with the France Under-21 international for several months, with fresh rumours now emerging over a potential deal.

German outlet Bild claims Liverpool have informed Frankfurt that they are interested in adding a new centre forward to their squad this summer.

However, while the Reds have previously held talks with the player’s representatives, they have yet to begin negotiations with Frankfurt.

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Though it does appear that the Bundesliga club are now preparing for his exit, having entered talks to sign Franjo Ivanovic from Union SG as his potential replacement, for a fee of £25m.

Frankfurt are understood to want around £85m for Ekitike, who scored 15 goals and provided eight assists in 33 Bundesliga games last season.

Premier League rivals Arsenal are also said to be interested, given their challenges in signing Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko.

Ekitike would provide Liverpool with a solid alternative to Isak, who is believed to be their primary forward target.

The London club reportedly reached an agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion to sign Pedro for over £50m.

Newcastle are unlikely to let Alexander Isak leave this summer despite reports of him wanting a move(Image: Getty)

Newcastle had also targeted the Brazilian and missing out on him is likely to hinder Liverpool’s own pursuit of Magpies striker Isak, who the Reds are huge fans of.

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It was, however, reported on Monday that Isak wants to leave the northeast club this summer after scoring 62 goals in 109 appearances for the side.

Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio confirmed that Newcastle's fears of losing him could turn into a reality and that the player has told them he's keen to leave.

But Newcastle are under no pressure to sell their star player, whose contract expires in three years’ time and any deal will likely be very expensive.


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