Newcastle could turn to the Liverpool star after losing out to the Reds in the race for Hugo Ekitike, with his switch to Anfield all but done, while another exciting forward is on the Magpies' list

Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Eintracht Frankfurt striker - who has made a huge act to force through a move to Anfield.

Lionel Messi's nickname for Hugo Ekitike has been revealed as the striker continues to be linked with Liverpool. On Thursday, it was claimed that Liverpool had submitted a bid to sign Ekitike from German Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt.

Can they afford him? What would the deal mean for Isak? Our reporters dissect the news Newcastle are in talks to sign the French forward

The Reds are recruiting from a position of strength having secured the Premier League title last season but know they must spend big to acquire their long-term No.9. They have whittled their search down to two players: Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitiké and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.

NEWCASTLE’S pursuit of Hugo Ekitike is over after they left talks for the Eintracht Frankfurt striker, according to reports. The Magpies saw an opening bid of a club-record £69.5m knocked

The 6ft 3in forward is one of the quickest players in the Bundesliga, surprisingly effective in the air and could work in tandem with Isak

Confidence is growing that Newcastle can quickly wrap up the signing of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt after sending club officials to Germany to finalise the transfer, and with David Ornstein revealing how his arrival will impact the Magpies’ side,