Hugo Ekitike takes drastic action in desperate bid to force Liverpool transfer

Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike after they moved ahead of Newcastle in the race for the Frenchman, who has already agreed terms with the Reds

Liverpool target Hugo Ekitike has reportedly handed in a transfer request at Eintracht Frankfurt as he looks to get his move to Anfield over the line.

The Frenchman has emerged as Liverpool’s top target this summer after appearing to move on from Newcastle star Alexander Isak, who could have ended up costing them around £125million.

Liverpool have since made their approach for Ekitike – who was also chased by Newcastle and the Magpies even had a £70m bid for the forward rejected.

The Premier League champions have now emerged as favourites for the player’s signature after receiving encouragement that he was keen to link up with Arne Slot’s side.

Liverpool could be forced to pay Ekitike’s release clause, which is understood to be around £86.5m, but he still represents a much cheaper option than Isak.

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And to ensure the move goes through, the 23-year-old France international has now handed in a transfer request at Frankfurt.

According to Sport Bild, Ekitike is ready to push for his big transfer and has taken matters into his own hands.

Newcastle were hoping to pair Ekitike alongside Isak but now Liverpool look to have got the better deal.

Slot already has an embarrassment of riches up front with Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa.

But he wants to take the goalscoring burden off Salah and provide more top quality competition up front. The club showed how serious they were to have a menacing attack force after rejecting Bayern Munich’s £58.6m offer for Luis Diaz.

Liverpool have already snapped a total of six signings this summer – including Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and record buy Florian Wirtz – who arrived for a British record transfer of £116.5m.

The Reds have also welcomed the arrival of goalkeeper Giorgi Marmadashvili from Valencia and have signed shot-stopper Freddie Woodman after his release from Preston and Armin Pecsi.

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