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Hugo Ekitike is nearing a move to Liverpool(Image: Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

Hugo Ekitike is closing in on a £79million move to Liverpool, having been persuaded to join the club after holding talks with manager Arne Slot.

Ekitike is set to become Liverpool's seventh new signing this summer, with the Reds agreeing to pay £69m up front plus £10m in add-ons.

The 23-year-old will lead the line for Liverpool next season, with Eintracht Frankfurt boss Dino Toppmoller admitting his exit is a "bitter loss" after Ekitike was omitted for their pre-season friendly against FSV Frankfurt on Saturday.

"He didn't play, but you can imagine everything else," Toppmoller said.

So I think we need to temper expectations a bit overall."

Newcastle were also interested in Ekitike, but abandoned their pursuit after the forward made it clear that he only wanted to join Liverpool.

And ESPN are reporting that it was Slot who persuaded Ekitike that Anfield was the right destination for him.

The report states that Slot spoke with the player over Zoom and explained how Ekitike fit into his plans, with the Dutchman keen to sign a 'mobile and dynamic No.9 who could combine brilliance on the ball with tenacity and intelligence off it'.

READ MORE:Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal's crunch Gyokeres talks, Ekitike set for Liverpool medical, Man Utd exits loomREAD MORE:Florian Wirtz Liverpool transfer sparks bitter row as Bayer Leverkusen chief hits out

It is claimed that Ekitike felt he was the 'perfect fit' after speaking with the Liverpool boss and the report quotes a source as saying Slot pulled off a "masterclass".

It adds that there were some concerns over whether the player was ready to make another big move.

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Ekitike joined Paris Saint-Germain from Reims three years ago and struggled to make much of an impact, but he has resurrected his career at Frankfurt and it is claimed Liverpool are confident that he is ready to make the step-up.

Liverpool have spent big this summer as they look to build on a successful first season under Slot which saw them win the Premier League.

They have also signed Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Armin Pecsi and Freddie Woodman.

Arne Slot helped persuade Ekitike to join Liverpool(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Liverpool also secured the futures of captain Virgil van Dijk and star man Mohamed Salah earlier this year, with the pair both signing new deals, although they were unable to persuade Trent Alexander-Arnold to stay.

However, Liverpool are confident that their summer business will ensure they remain competitive for years to come, with each new addition aside from Woodman under the age of 25.

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