Liverpool are set to scupper Newcastle’s summer transfer plans by making an approach for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. The 23-year-old, who scored 22 times for the Bundesliga club last season, is expected to leave Germany this summer.

The North East club had appeared the front runners for his signature. This week, they reportedly made an offer in the region of £65million for the French forward, and have sent a delegation to Frankfurt to try and get the deal over the line. Their approach followed speculation over the future of key striker Alexander Isak.

According to the Athletic, Frankfurt have received an official approach from the Premier League champions. As well as pursuing Isak, Arne Slot is keen to target other forwards to bolster his forward ranks.

Despite the addition of club record signing Florian Wirtz, Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott are expected to be sold this summer. Luis Diaz’s future is also up in the air after the club rejected a bid from Bayern Munich, with the German champions expected to make a better offer.

Newcastle missing out on Ekitike and then potentially losing Isak would be a huge double blow to Howe as he prepares for his side’s return to the Champions League. The France Under-21 international made the Bundesliga Team of the Season in 2024/25, also notching 12 assists to go with his goalscoring feats.

He caught the eye in his club’s Europa League quarter-final with Tottenham, scoring a stunning opener in North London. However, it wasn’t enough for his side to progress a Spurs won 2-1 on aggregate.