Liverpool are all set to complete a deal to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday.

The Reds accelerated talks to bring Ekitike to Anfield after seeing Newcastle hold firm on their interest in Alexander Isak.

But although Liverpool’s story with Isak is not yet over, they have moved decisively to get another striker through the door.

Ekitike looks like a terrific option, with the 23-year-old coming off the back of a superb season with Eintracht.

'I would suggest': Former Newcastle manager Pardew gives his take on whether Isak wants to join Liverpool	Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool transfer agreed as Reds pay another huge fee	Huge Hugo Ekitike offer being prepared by Liverpool

However, Ekitike‘s price tag felt a little on the high side for a player with only one truly impressive campaign under his belt.

So, while there is excitement over Ekitike, there is also worry that he could be an expensive flop.

Interestingly, though, French outlet L’Equipe have reported that the France U21 star may not be quite as costly as first feared.

Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images

All throughout the summer, Eintracht have stood firm on an £85m valuation on Ekitike.

That always sounded like an awful lot to pay.

As per journalist Fabrizio Romano’s ‘Here We Go’ update on Sunday morning, Liverpool had agreed to pay a base fee of £78m, with a further £5m or so in add-ons.

MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES

However, L’Equipe appear to refute this, claiming that Liverpool’s second ‘decisive’ bid was actually more like £67m.

READ MORE: Jamie Carragher gave an interesting early verdict on Liverpool and Hugo Ekitike back in April

This is reportedly the initial fee, with there to be some unspecified bonuses added on top.

Ekitike is said to have agreed a contract with the Reds already, and is now awaiting permission to travel to Liverpool and complete his medical.

Although Romano has insisted that Ekitike to Liverpool is done – and has been completed at a high cost to the Reds – other journalists do not appear quite so certain.

Dominic King, for example, took to X to suggest that Romano may have jumped the gun a little.

“Hugo Etikite and Liverpool: it is going to get done and it’s a question of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’ it will happen.

But the deal isn’t done yet – there’s suggestions €90m has been agreed.

It isn’t the case,” says King.

“Still talks continuing about the structure and definitive price.”

The Liverpool ECHO also suggest the green light is yet to be lit, although they do suggest a £78m ‘compromise’ is likely to be reached with Eintracht.
For more news relating to Newcastle United, visit our sister site NUFC Latest Live.