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Just in: David Ornstein says Liverpool have now contacted club to sign £86m Isak alternative

Liverpool have thrown a spanner in the works of Newcastle United's plan to land Hugo Ekitike, according to reports - with the Anfield club having 'made contact' to sign the young striker on Wednesday.

The report by David Ornstein on X (formerly Twitter) states that Liverpool have now contacted Eintracht Frankfurt over a possible move for the French striker, with the Reds 'working' on a deal for the 23-year-old.

The French attacker has been on their radar for a while but talks have ramped up

Hugo Ekitike in action for Eintracht Frankfurt

A move for Ekitike is concurrent to their plans to land Newcastle star Alexander Isak, who they made an approach for earlier this week after his superb Premier League campaign. Newcastle want both players in their squad, having also been interested in £86m-rated Ekitike, though Liverpool will only end up with one at most, given a move for the duo would cost them over £200million.

A further report by Ornstein, via The Athletic, states that Newcastle submitted a bid of £64.9million for the Frenchman on Monday, though that was turned down by Frankfurt. Now, the Bundesliga club have been inundated with offers and have received an approach from the Premier League champions, who are aiming to bolster their striking ranks with a move for the France under-21 star.

Reds boss Arne Slot would be willing to part with £120million for Isak, and he is their supposed top target - but with Newcastle bidding for Ekitike, it means the Merseyside outfit are giving them an ultimatum of either keeping Isak and failing to land Ekitike, or signing the Frenchman to then free up a move for the Swedish star, who bagged 23 goals in the Premier League last season.

Liverpool are in the market for a new No.9 amid striker Darwin Nunez's likelihood of a move away, alongside the tragic passing of forward Diogo Jota earlier this month. And, with winger Luiz Diaz - who has oftentimes been utilised up front - signalling his intentions to leave, that has made the signing of a striker their priority at this stage in the window.

The Reds have already broken their transfer record to land Florian Wirtz from Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen this summer, alongside signing wing-back duo Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez - but they won't hesitate to spend further if Isak or Ekitike become genuine opportunities in the current market.

Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 16-07-25.

Alexander Isak in action for Newcastle United Related

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