Liverpool have been told they will have to pay £80million to secure the signing of Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the 22-year-old is viewed as the answer to Arne Slot’s number nine issues, but the price tag could be a stumbling block.
Frankfurt are extremely reluctant to let him leave after Omar Marmoush’s move to Man City in January and will demand a huge fee for his services.
Ekitike is believed to rank highly on Liverpool’s list of targets given his age, goalscoring prowess and all-round play which fits the profile they are looking for.
So far this season, he has scored 21 goals and provided nine assists across all competitions, and scored a hattrick against England’s Under-21 side which caught the eye of watching scouts.
However, with four years remaining on his contract with Frankfurt, the Bundesliga outfit hold the cards with regards to his future and potential sale.
Liverpool rival Man United and Newcastle in Hugo Ekitike race
Liverpool are not the only side keeping tabs on Ekitike’s situation this summer, and are set to be joined in their pursuit by a number of Premier League and European clubs.
Football Insider revealed in March that Man United and Newcastle want to sign Ekitike and have been watching his performances for Frankfurt closely.
Industry expert Mick Brown told Football Insider in January that Man United want to sign a new striker amid concerns about Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have also held a long-term interest in the forward after they were beaten to his signing by PSG in 2022.
Liverpool believe they will be able to beat their rivals to his signature if they can agree a deal as they close in on winning the Premier League, but could be forced to consider other options.
Alexander Isak update emerges after Arne Slot claim
Alongside their pursuit of Ekitike, Liverpool have also been considering a number of other high-profile options to become their new starting number nine.
Football Insider exclusively revealed in February that Liverpool want to sign Alexander Isak and Slot views him as the “perfect” signing despite his price tag.
Newcastle are set to demand £150million for his sale, and the Reds may be forced to consider alternative options in case they cannot meet his asking price.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Slot wants to sign a world-class forward to strengthen his attacking options amid ongoing speculation.
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