Liverpool Close In On Ekitike In £70m-Plus Deal

Liverpool are in advanced talks to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike in a deal worth more than £70m.

Multiple sources have indicated that Liverpool aim to have the transfer wrapped up by this weekend.

Newcastle have had a £70million offer for Ekitike rejected by Frankfurt, with Liverpool’s offer expected to surpass it.

Ekitike is open to joining the Premier League champions, who want to sign the central striker.

The 23-year-old scored 15 goals in 31 starts as Frankfurt finished third in the Bundesliga last term.

However, Ekitike is a provider, as well as a scorer, with his eight assists ranking him within the top 6% among forwards for creating chances in Germany last season.

Ekitike registered 117 shots on goal in the Bundesliga last term – more than any other player.

His expected goals figure of 21.6 was the league’s second highest.

Liverpool have also shown a major interest in Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, but the Magpies are adamant the Swede is not for sale at any price.

Liverpool have signed midfielder Florian Wirtz in a potential British record £116m deal this summer and paid £40m and £30m respectively for full-backs Milos Kerkez wand Jeremie Frimpong.

Newcastle are expected to accelerate their interest in Brentford striker Yoane Wissa within the next 24 hours after their own attempts to land Ekitike slowed.