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

Liverpool's pursuit of Hugo Ekitike has taken a promising turn, with the French striker reportedly submitting a transfer request at Eintracht Frankfurt to expedite his move to Anfield. The Reds have identified Ekitike as their prime summer target, shifting focus from Newcastle's Alexander Isak, who could have set them back by a hefty £125 million.

Liverpool's interest in Ekitike, who was also on Newcastle's radar, has intensified after a £70 million bid from the Magpies was turned down. Now, the Premier League champions are leading the race for Ekitike's signature, buoyed by indications that he is eager to join Arne Slot's squad.

While Liverpool may need to trigger Ekitike's release clause of around £86.5 million, he remains a more affordable alternative to Isak. In a bid to secure his move, the 23 year old French international has handed in a transfer request at Frankfurt, according to Sport Bild.

Newcastle had hoped to pair Ekitike with Isak, but it seems Liverpool have outmanoeuvred them. Slot already boasts an impressive attacking line-up featuring Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa.

However, he is keen to distribute the goalscoring responsibility more evenly and bolster the quality of competition in the forward line. The club's commitment to a formidable attack was evident when they turned down Bayern Munich's £58.6m bid for Luis Diaz.

Liverpool have already secured six new signings this summer - including Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and record purchase Florian Wirtz - who arrived for a British record transfer fee of £116.5m.

The Reds have also welcomed goalkeeper Giorgi Marmadashvili from Valencia and have signed goalkeepers Freddie Woodman following his departure from Preston and Armin Pecsi.