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The Times have provided an update on the future of one player wanted by Liverpool.

The Reds have been very decisive and quick in the summer transfer market, securing deals for five players so far.

Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez have come amid strong competition from other clubs.

Wirtz in particular was wanted by several top European sides, including  Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

But Liverpool won the race for the German attacking midfielder, securing a British record deal for the German.

Despite the large outlay on Wirtz and co., Arne Slot’s side are still not done in the market.

At least two players are expected to join the club-a defender and a centre forward.

Marc Guehi is the major target for the centre-half position, while Liverpool has their eyes set on Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike for the No?

9 position.

However, it appears the Reds have lost out on Ekitike, as Newcastle United are now ahead in the race.

Earlier on Monday, reports from ESPN’s Julien Laurens revealed that the Magpies had submitted a bid for the striker ahead of a potential summer move.

The Times have now confirmed the story, clarifying the offer for.

“Newcastle United have made a bid of more than £70million for the Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike,” the report said.

“The German club are expected to reject that offer, wanting closer to Ekitike’s release clause of £86million, but talks are continuing.”

The Times also clarified how Ekitike’s move afects the future of Liverpool-linked Alexander Isak.

“Sources at Newcastle insist that if the 23-year-old is signed it would not mean that Alexander Isak would definitely leave this summer, but the Frenchman’s arrival will clearly have significant financial implications for a club who only narrowly avoided a Profitability and Sustainability Rules points penalty last season,” The Times wrote.

With Ekitike now potentially off the radar for Liverpool, the club can now intensify their pursuit of Isak, or concretise their reported interest in Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.

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