I LOVE THE NEW KOP KIT

Ekitike v Gyokeres is a battle to relish, but if Reds land Isak and Eagles star, it's game over

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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.

Frenchman Ekitike, who has scored three times in as many matches since joining Arne Slot's champions for an initial £69million, bids to upstage Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres today in the battle of the 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 Liverpool get the player they want, Alexander Isak.

"Then they might be shifting Ekitike to another position - though you certainly can't argue with his record to date.

"Liverpool do need to get another centre-half - Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi is my guess - but because of departures and tragic circumstances, they need another forward, too.

"From a selfish Newcastle point of view that wouldn't be Isak, but I understand why they're looking at him because he's bloody good.