Liverpool Beat Newcastle to Hugo Ekitike as Transfer Saga AcceleratesAs the summer window intensifies, Liverpool have made a decisive move in the race for Hugo Ekitike, beating Newcastle United to

The Newcastle United transfer agenda has had more twists and turns than Alton Towers this last week, and yet here we are with nothing much changed. Hugo Ekitike looks destined for Liverpool, while talks over extending Alexander Isak's contract continue.

Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, and while some fans had their hearts set on Alexander Isak, there is every reason to be optimistic. The Reds may not have secured their first-choice target,

Can they afford him? What would the deal mean for Isak? Our reporters dissect the news Newcastle are in talks to sign the French forward

Newcastle had wanted to partner Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike in attack, but have ended their interest in the Frenchman who now looks set to join Liverpool

The Reds are recruiting from a position of strength having secured the Premier League title last season but know they must spend big to acquire their long-term No.9. They have whittled their search down to two players: Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitiké and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.

Liverpool have made contact with Eintracht Frankfurt over a possible move for Hugo Ekitike, who is also being targeted by Newcastle United. The Athletic reported on July 14 that Newcastle tried to secure Ekitike via an offer worth around €75million (£64.9m; $86.9m), which was turned down by Frankfurt.

Confidence is growing that Newcastle can quickly wrap up the signing of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt after sending club officials to Germany to finalise the transfer, and with David Ornstein revealing how his arrival will impact the Magpies’ side,