Arne Slot took centre stage to convince Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike to reject a move to Newcastle United in favour of Liverpool | OneFootball

Liverpool manager Arne Slot took centre stage to help convince Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike to reject a move to Newcastle United, according to French outlet L’Equipe.

Newcastle have had the 23-year-old Frenchman on their radar for several years and were keen to sign him before he moved to Paris Saint-Germain from Reims in 2022.

Magpies manager Eddie Howe had plans to play Ekitike alongside Alexander Isak, but the Bundesliga star is set to join Liverpool after agreeing to terms of a six-year contract.

Slot had a video call with Ekitike, introducing him to his vision and the evolution of their game plan.

Liverpool want a mobile and versatile striker who is capable of multitasking while expressing his creativity in their possession-based play sequences.

Frankfurt rejected a written offer of €80m from Newcastle for Ekitike, and Liverpool quickly moved in by offering a €90m deal. It was enough to convince the German club.

The Magpies may end up needing two new strikers this summer as Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal reportedly want Isak, and he is open to a move.

Newcastle insist he is not for sale, but their fellow Public Investment Fund club could be willing to pay significantly more for him if that is enough to secure a deal.

Losing Isak as they prepare for Champions League football is the last thing they want, and their fans will be desperately hoping they can hold on to him beyond this summer.