Rival's move for Magpies target a double-edge sword

REDS SWOOP FOR BUNDESLIGA STRIKER HUGO EKITIKE

- By AARON STOKES

NEWCASTLE United have received a huge boost in their attempts to keep Alexander Isak at St James' Park - but equally may have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Hugo Ekitike.

Liverpool have now made a move for the latter, as per the Athletic, approaching Eintracht Frankfurt to see if a deal can be struck for the 23-year-old this summer.

Newcastle saw a bid of around £70m rejected for Ekitike on Wednesday.

The Frenchman arriving at Anfield would all but end Liverpool's pursuit of Isak this summer, despite claims on Merseyside that the Reds could indeed afford both aforementioned attackers.

Liverpool have already splashed out £116.5m on Florian Wirtz - a Premier League record - but will seek to recoup big money for Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez to balance the books.