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The Reds have gone big earlier in the window but they look to be trying to go even bigger before their crucial opening game of the Premier League season against Bournemouth.

A striker will almost certainly be through the door by the time this game rolls around and Liverpool fans will be hoping that it is Alexander Isak leading the line for them.

Newcastle do not want to sell, however, and are still keen to bring in Hugo Ekitike to play alongside the Swede, a striker the Reds are also interested in.

The Magpies will need to be very careful if they do sign the Frenchman, though, as his arrival could have a knock-on effect for a player who Liverpool have long-standing interest in.

Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

Ekitike might be a striker but he is not a conventional number nine, with his versatility making him stand out compared to many others in Europe.

This is a trait that Arne Slot requires those in his forward line to have, with the unpredictability making it near-impossible for opponents to defend.

However, although this can be a good thing, it could also be a negative for Newcastle, as if they sign the Frenchman as well as keeping Isak, he will likely take the place of Anthony Gordon, as pointed out by European football expert Seb Stafford-Bloor.

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“Ekitike at Frankfurt played a little bit, on the left, and when Marmoush left and went to Manchester City, he moved into a more centre forward position.

So, you would imagine he’d play on the left of a 4-3-3,” he told talkSPORT.

READ MORE: Alexander Isak has already told Liverpool fans how he feels about playing at Anfield as Reds prepare bid

Eintracht Frankfurt also want close to £85m for the 23-year-old, suggesting that the Magpies would not make a move unless he was guaranteed to play.

Stafford-Bloor also revealed that the player himself is in no rush to move and is said to be more than happy to stick around in Germany for another season, indicating that he must have been promised minutes at St James’ Park for the upcoming campaign.

Although the Reds are also keen on Ekitike’s signature, the Frenchman joining Newcastle could still be hugely beneficial for them.

As mentioned, his arrival could prompt the exit of Gordon, who has been labelled by his manager in the past as “outstanding”, with Liverpool first in line to sign him and the player likely keen on a move given that he is a boyhood fan.

If not, Ekitike could be the replacement for Isak, again with Liverpool benefiting as they would be the ones most likely to sign him.

With Eddie Howe reluctant to move away from his favoured 4-3-3 formation, it suggests someone is going to at least miss out, and the Reds will be ready to pounce for whatever opportunity arises.
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