'I was about to become a Newcastle player – but I knew what to do when Liverpool came in'

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However, the forward acknowledged during the campaign that he had nearly joined Newcastle.Before playing the Magpies in January, Ekitike said: "Obviously we were close [to signing for Newcastle] but I made my choice. I knew where I wanted to come, so that's all I can give to you."When quizzed about a potentially hostile reception from Newcastle supporters, he added: "I don't care.

I play for Liverpool, I have my fans here, we played there (Newcastle) already and won so hopefully we will have a great week of working. "I stayed in Germany for 10 days."We agreed everything with the German club and the player, then Liverpool called him and he chose Anfield."Newcastle boss Howe had openly acknowledged his interest in the striker before Liverpool swooped in.

"I think there's no doubting that I really like Hugo and have done for a number of years," Howe said. The Reds' pursuit of Munoz represents the third occasion within a year that the club have disrupted Newcastle's transfer plans.Join our LFC WhatsApp community and get all the latest LFC news, views, transfer gossip and more, as it happens We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.