Liverpool are reportedly ready to start negotiating with Eintracht Frankfurt to sign 23-year-old French striker Hugo Ekitike.
On Wednesday, Fabrizio Romano issued a warning to Liverpool over increasing interest in Ekitike from a host of Premier League clubs.
Romano said: “There is still interest from more English clubs and I am told the race remains quite open.
“But the story is not yet done and I am sure we will be back in the next weeks to discuss Ekitike and a move to the Premier League.”
With 22 goals and 12 assists last season, it comes as no surprise that Premier League clubs are excited about signing him and the Champions are now ready to open talks with Frankfurt.
Liverpool are gearing up for talks to sign Hugo Ekitike
According to a report from Give Me Sport, Liverpool are “preparing to engage in initial discussions over a deal for Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike.”
The report adds that Liverpool will need to sell Darwin Nunez first. A bid from Napoli has already been rejected but reports suggest the Italian outfit will return with an improved second offer.
GMS adds: “Intermediaries have provided Eintracht Frankfurt with encouragement that Liverpool are ready to open talks over a deal for Ekitike, leading to the Bundesliga giants being confident that they will secure the entirety of their £86million demands before the transfer window slams shut.”
There is plenty of interest in Ekitike with Newcastle United and Chelsea also keen while Saudi Arabian outfits Al-Hilal and Al-Qadsiah would like to sign him too.
Finally, GMS reports: “Eintracht Frankfurt are adamant that their resolve will pay off and there is hope that Liverpool will up the ante by formally showing their hand in the coming days.”
Liverpool spending £86m would be a surprise but not an unwelcome one
While I would be taken aback to see FSG spend £86m to sign Ekitike, he would not be an unwelcome addition at Anfield at all.
With Florian Wirtz and Mohamed Salah spearheading the playmaking, the 23-year-old striker stands to score a lot of goals should he move to Liverpool.
22 goals and 12 assists last season in the Bundesliga is encouraging but the jury is out over whether or not he can translate that to the Premier League.