Major Liverpool and Hugo Ekitike update out of Germany after Newcastle United reach ‘advanced’ talks

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Newcastle United have a big problem on their hands when it comes to Hugo Ekitike and Liverpool.

It had been claimed that Ekitike to Newcastle was ‘advanced’, but now it is the Reds who are making their move. Reports on Wednesday stated that Liverpool have contacted Frankfurt about signing Ekitike.

Newcastle wanted to keep their Ekitike pursuit private, but now it has developed into a media storm. Liverpool are pushing to bring the Frenchman to Anfield, which would at least suggest that they are finally getting the picture with Alexander Isak.

But as the Magpies draw up plans for Isak to play alongside Ekitike at St James’ Park, the threat of Liverpool is looming larger.

• Who is Hugo Ekitike? Meet the striker who could become Newcastle United’s record signing

What Liverpool have told Eintracht Frankfurt about Hugo Ekitike and Newcastle United

Arne Slot’s side are signalling their intent, as they attempt to gazump Newcastle United’s bid for Ekitike.

That is according to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, who has stated on X that Liverpool are willing to pay more than what Newcastle initially offered for the attacker.

Plettenberg also noted that Manchester United are keeping an eye on the situation, with Ruben Amorim still in the market for a striker.

He wrote on X: “Understand Liverpool are willing to pay more than what Newcastle have offered for Hugo #Ekitike, and Eintracht Frankfurt have been informed about it. #LFC There is no agreement between Newcastle and Frankfurt yet, despite advanced talks between Newcastle and the Ekitike camp. However, Manchester United are also still involved and are monitoring the situation closely.”

How much Newcastle United or Liverpool must pay for Hugo Ekitike

Newcastle offered £70million for Ekitike. That bid was rejected by Frankfurt, who are looking to receive a bigger fee for a player who they bought for just £14million from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024.

It has been reported that Frankfurt want £86million for Ekitike. That would make him Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever, but it would not be a record fee for Liverpool. Their record signing is Florian Wirtz, who cost £116million from Bayer Leverkusen earlier this summer.

Liverpool have made it clear that they are willing to spend more than £70million, while Geordie Boot Boys understand that Newcastle would pay up to £78million for Ekitike. Whether or not they do is a different matter.

Whichever way this goes, Newcastle will hope the situation is resolved swiftly. At the moment, the most likely conclusion feels like Ekitike moving to Merseyside rather than Tyneside.