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

Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike, who is heavily linked with Liverpool, has drawn comparisons with Thierry Henry in the past and the Arsenal icon has given his thoughts on the striker

Thierry Henry reportedly said Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike “does not do the basics very well” as Liverpool close in on their target. Having been given a firm no to Alexandar Isak’s availability, Liverpool have instead targeted Ekitike and a deal for the 23-year-old is said to be close to completion.

Negotiations have begun with Eintracht Frankfurt over a move for forward Hugo Ekitike. The Reds have submitted a written offer in the region of £70million, and are already said to have agreed personal terms with the 23-year-old. That’s despite still being linked with a £120m swoop for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.

Liverpool are in talks to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike after discovering that Newcastle are unwilling to sell Alexander Isak to a Premier League rival

Hugo Ekitike has had the pleasure of playing alongside some of the world's best players ahead of his expected move to Liverpool, and Lionel Messi even gave him his own nickname

They add that Liverpool have even signalled to Frankfurt that they would be willing to pay their €100m (£86.6m) asking price, with an offer in that region now expected as the Bundesliga outfit target Franjo Ivanovic of Union Saint-Gilloise as his replacement and Ritsu Doan also arriving from Freiburg.

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.

BBC Sports Editor Dan Roan has been talking about the situation regarding Hugo Ekitike, Newcastle United and Liverpool.

All the latest transfer news as Liverpool are set to sign striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt plus all the latest reports and gossip.