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Hugo Ekitike is a transfer target for Liverpool(Image: Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

Liverpool's preparations for the new Premier League season are well underway.

The Reds enjoyed a first runout of the summer against Championship outfit Preston North End last Saturday, with goals from Conor Bradley, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo securing a 3-1 victory.

Next week, the Premier League champions will head to the Far East to face AC Milan and Yokohama FM before ending their summer schedule with matches against Athletic Bilbao and Crystal Palace.

But you already knew that, didn't you?

Here, the ECHO looks at some of the transfer news you might have missed.

READ MORE:Liverpool get dream Hugo Ekitike transfer scenario after Eintracht Frankfurt decisionREAD MORE:Alexander Isak absence explained as Liverpool target misses Newcastle United vs Celtic friendly

Liverpool are reportedly close to reaching an agreement with Eintracht Frankfurt for forward Hugo Ekitike.

Sky Sports News claims that the Reds have tabled an offer worth a potential £78m for the Frenchman.

Earlier this week, the ECHO reported that the Premier League champions had agreed personal terms with the 23-year-old over a move to Anfield.

Liverpool's interest in the forward comes just days after Newcastle United had a club-record bid of £70m rejected for the Ekitike.

Eddie Howe says he is confident Alexander Isak will remain at Newcastle United despite the striker being sent home from Saturday's pre-season friendly with Celtic.

The 25-year-old was absent from the Magpies' squad that lined up at Parkhead after recent speculation about his future, which has seen him heavily linked with a move to Liverpool.

But speaking after his side's 4-0 defeat to Celtic, Howe revealed he expects Isak to remain at St James' Park ahead of the new season.

"I think it's difficult for me to give 100 per cent clarity on any player," said Howe.

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"I'd never sit here and do that because it's football and you never know what can happen.

"But Alex is happy at Newcastle.
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