Dennis Ndlovu
Sports Reporter
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Liverpool have redirected their striker hunt to Eintracht Frankfurt\u2019s Hugo Ekitike after Newcastle United firmly ruled out selling Alexander Isak during the current transfer window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite tracking Isak for months, the Premier League champions never tabled a formal bid, as Newcastle priced the Swedish international at \u00a3150 million, effectively shutting down any negotiations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now with Isak out of reach, Liverpool are poised to challenge Newcastle for Ekitike\u2019s signature. The French forward enjoyed a prolific 2023\/24 season, netting 22 goals in 48 matches and guiding Frankfurt to Champions League qualification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ekitike, 23, has also caught the attention of Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal, although the latter appear focused on securing Sporting CP\u2019s Viktor Gyokeres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Newcastle renewed their interest in Ekitike this week, submitting a \u00a370 million bid\u2014reportedly the club\u2019s highest-ever offer\u2014but Sky Sports News reported that Frankfurt rejected it, insisting on a minimum of \u00a385 million.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Negotiations between Newcastle and the player\u2019s camp resumed in Austria on Monday, with the Magpies aiming to build a strike partnership between Ekitike and Isak, rather than replace their star striker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Liverpool\u2019s pursuit of Ekitike began earlier in April, when reports emerged that the club had initiated contact with the player\u2019s representatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Seen as a suitable option for Arne Slot\u2019s attacking blueprint, Ekitike offers flexibility, vision, and technical quality across the front three\u2014attributes Liverpool see as key to enhancing their offensive depth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Frankfurt\u2019s acquisition of Jonathan Burkardt from Mainz has only added to speculation that Ekitike\u2019s departure may be imminent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, Newcastle have already shelled out \u00a355 million for winger Anthony Elanga, while Liverpool continue to evaluate the futures of Darwin N\u00fa\u00f1ez and Luis D\u00edaz\u2014who recently turned down a \u20ac67.5 million bid from Bayern Munich.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With Frankfurt standing firm on their asking price and competition from elite clubs intensifying, the pursuit of Ekitike is shaping up to be one of the transfer window\u2019s fiercest battles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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