Reds win race for Ekitike

LIVERPOOL have agreed to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike in a deal worth an initial £69 million (about R1.587 billion), according to reports on Monday.

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The Premier League champions switched their focus to Ekitike after Newcastle United refused to sell Sweden striker Alexander Isak, who is valued at around £150m (R3.6bn) by the Magpies.

Newcastle and Manchester United were also interested in Ekitike, but Liverpool appear set to win the race for one of Europe's hottest young stars.

It is believed the Reds have agreed to pay a further £10m (R230m) in potential add-ons to secure the 23-year-old Frenchman, whose overall fee could rise to £79m (R1.82bn).

Once the transfer is completed, Ekitike will join Arne Slot’s side on their preseason tour of Asia.

Ekitike scored 22 goals in 48 matches in all competitions for Frankfurt last season, following his move from PSG. He was an unused substitute in Saturday's friendly against FSV Frankfurt, with Eintracht boss Dino Toppmiller describing his impending departure as "a bitter loss".

Liverpool have space in their forward line following the tragic death of Diogo Jota in a car crash in Spain.