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Liverpool is ready to make a bid for Hugo Ekitike as the Reds look to pile the pressure on Newcastle.

The two clubs are locked in an almighty transfer battle this summer after Liverpool made an approach for Alexander Isak in response to Newcastle’s attempts to sign Ekitike.

Although the Reds’ interest in securing a $161 million (£120M) deal for the latter was pushed back by the Magpies, subsequent reports have suggested a bid could be prepared.

And it seems Liverpool might have a Plan B lined up, having made an approach for Ekitike on Wednesday, and the Reds now look to be stepping up their attempts to potentially steal the Eintracht Frankfurt striker out from under Newcastle’s nose.

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According to The Mirror's Chris McKenna, Liverpool has told Frankfurt it is ready to bid for Ekitike, with the striker favoring a move to Anfield.

It will take more than the $94M (£70M) offered by Newcastle earlier this week if the Reds are to land him, but that shouldn’t be an issue, given they are already willing to break their own transfer record for Isak.

It seems then that Liverpool’s power play is stepping up a gear, leaving Newcastle with a big decision to make.

Previous reports on the Toon’s move for Ekitike indicated that the Frenchman was not seen as a replacement for Isak, rather than someone who could play alongside the Swedish international.

As The Athletic points out though, that situation is looking increasingly unlikely, and something will have to give in Liverpool and Newcastle’s standoff.

The latter may well have to admit defeat on one of the strikers, especially with Ekitike now reportedly favoring a move to Anfield over St James’ Park.



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Although it might appear to be the easier move to give Liverpool a free run at the 23-year-old, it could prove to be more beneficial for Newcastle to sell Isak and go after Ekitike itself, given the obvious boost it would provide in terms of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

What’s more, with doubts still remaining over whether Isak will sign a new contract in the north-east, Newcastle could be left in the awkward position of him moving on for less than Liverpool is offering further down the line, while having also missed out on Ekitike.

As things stand though, Liverpool believes Newcastle will not sell, and so Ekitike looks to be the next port of call
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