ALAN SHEARER EXCLUSIVE

ALAN SHEARER has lauded Hugo Ekitike's blistering start to life at Liverpool - but he feels the Reds still need to land a centre-back to maximise their chances of retaining the title.

- BY RYAN TAYLOR

Frenchman Ekitike, who has scored three times in as many matches since joining Arne Slot's champions for an initial £69million, will bid to upstage Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres today in the battle of newly signed strikers.

Betfair ambassador Shearer said: "Ekitike has made a wonderful start, certainly better than even he would have imagined.

"I've been really impressed, but it remains to be seen how regularly he will play if they get Alexander Isak.

"They might shift Ekitike to another position, though you can't argue with his record to date.

"Liverpool need another centre-half - Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi is the target - but because of departures and tragic circumstances, they need another forward, too.