Liverpool are preparing to launch a bid for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike after missing out on Newcastle's Alexander Isak, according to reports on Friday. The Premier League champions have switched their focus to Ekitike following Newcastle's refusal to sell Sweden striker Isak,

Hugo Ekitike has agreed personal terms with the Reds as talks take place with Eintracht Frankfurt over a deal to sign the striker

Negotiations have begun with Eintracht Frankfurt over a move for forward Hugo Ekitike. The Reds have submitted a written offer in the region of £70million, and are already said to have agreed personal terms with the 23-year-old. That’s despite still being linked with a £120m swoop for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.

Thierry Henry reportedly said Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike “does not do the basics very well” as Liverpool close in on their target. Having been given a firm no to Alexandar Isak’s availability, Liverpool have instead targeted Ekitike and a deal for the 23-year-old is said to be close to completion.

They add that Liverpool have even signalled to Frankfurt that they would be willing to pay their €100m (£86.6m) asking price, with an offer in that region now expected as the Bundesliga outfit target Franjo Ivanovic of Union Saint-Gilloise as his replacement and Ritsu Doan also arriving from Freiburg.

Liverpool have shoved Newcastle aside and agreed personal terms with Hugo Ekitike, Manchester United have made a third offer for Bryan Mbeumo and Arsenal are closing in on Viktor Gyokeres

Liverpool have made contact with Eintracht Frankfurt over a possible move for Hugo Ekitike, who is also being targeted by Newcastle United. The Athletic reported on July 14 that Newcastle tried to secure Ekitike via an offer worth around €75million (£64.9m; $86.9m), which was turned down by Frankfurt.

Liverpool is closing in on a deal to sign Hugo Ekitike and if the Reds' track record in the transfer market over the last 10 years is anything to go by, he will probably be a roaring success