Liverpool to rival Newcastle for Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike | OneFootball

Liverpool are preparing to enter the race for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike after learning that Newcastle United have no plans to sell Alexander Isak this summer (Sky Sports).

The Reds have a long-standing interest in Isak, but Newcastle have made it clear that he is not for sale.

The Magpies have slapped an earth-shattering £150 million asking price on Isak to ward off interest from Premier League rivals, with Arsenal and Liverpool keen.

Liverpool were still hoping to close a deal for Isak with a bid of around £120m, but with Newcastle playing hardball, the Reds have decided to enter the race for Ekitike.

It’s now up to Newcastle to decide whether to pocket a world record bid for Isak or have to deal with Liverpool potentially poaching their primary striker target.

Ekitike is one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe this summer. He has been linked with several Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Arsenal.

However, Liverpool and Newcastle seem to be most interested in the striker. The Magpies have already made a club-record £70m bid for the 23-year-old striker, but it was rejected.

Frankfurt are reportedly holding out for at least £85m and believe there are other clubs willing to meet their lofty demands.

Liverpool have spent the summer evaluating the striker market. With Darwin Nunez set to leave the club this summer, the Reds are expected to land a marquee signing.

They’ve been linked with a host of strikers across Europe, including RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Napoli forward Victor Osimhen.

But they’ve now narrowed the list down to two players and are ready to play the long game with Newcastle to sign at least one.

While reports have linked them to Isak, sources on Merseyside insist that no formal contact was ever made with Newcastle regarding a potential deal.

Ekitike bagged 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 games across all competitions last season, helping them finish third in the Bundesliga and qualify for the Champions League.