Eintracht Frankfurt are anticipating that Liverpool will “up the ante” in the race for Hugo Ekitike “over the coming days”, according to reports.
GiveMeSport claim Frankfurt are confident that an approach will come from the Reds after holding conversations with intermediaries.
Ekitike has already been the subject of enquiries from the Premier League champions and Chelsea this summer.
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Newcastle, Al-Hilal and Al-Qadsiah have also registered their interest in the Frenchman, who scored 22 goals for Frankfurt last campaign.
Ekitike’s asking price is substantial
Throughout the summer transfer window, Frankfurt have told interested clubs that they want €100m (£86m) for the striker.
That is a very high sum when you consider that Ekitike hasn’t really been a consistent scorer at the highest level until last season.
Ekitike had been on loan at Frankfurt from Paris Saint-Germain prior to joining the Bundesliga side on a permanent basis last summer. In his first six months in Germany, the 23-year-old found the back of the net 4 times in 16 appearances.
Nunez’s exit from Liverpool could pave the way for a bid
Napoli remain in talks with the Reds for Darwin Nunez. The Uruguayan international is reportedly keen on making the switch to Italy but the two sides have not been able to reach an agreement on the transfer fee.
Victor Osimhen’s departure to Galatasaray would free up funds, but it remains to be seen if the Serie A side are willing to match Nunez’s valuation
It is believed that Arne Slot’s side are demanding between £65m and £70m for the striker, and if the Merseysiders manage to get that sort of figure, it would finance a bid for Ekitike. A domino effect could essentially lead to the France Under 23 international moving to Anfield.
In other news, Liverpool have been tipped to sign a Real Madrid forward as a replacement for Luis Diaz