The Reds are known to be in the market for a striker this summer as they look to upgrade on the misfiring Darwin Nunez, who scored just five goals in 30 Premier League appearances last season as Arne Slot’s side cruised to the Premier League title.

Newcastle United want both Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak at the club next season but Liverpool are making their own moves

On Tuesday morning, we covered claims from Germany that Newcastle United are serious about Hugo Ekitiké, who is valued at €100m Eintracht Frankfurt. It was suggested the Magpies are unlikely to match their request.

Reporting into new sporting director Paul Mitchell, he will be a key support to the club’s performance, medical, sports science, nutrition and psychology teams, helping to drive an elite performance culture and cohesive approach across the men’s first team, Academy and Newcastle United Women.

At a similar price point, Porto's Samu Aghehowa has plenty of admirers on the continent. The Portuguese outfit are also chasing £86m for his signature and the 21-year-old is being touted as a potential Ollie Watkins replacements should he leave Aston Villa.

Now, the Reds have made contact over Ekitike, and TBR Football can reveal what Frankfurt sources are now saying about the French forward. TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has confirmed that Liverpool sources have told him there has indeed been contact over Ekitike.

What complicates the equation for Newcastle is their own pursuit of Hugo Ekitike. The Telegraph confirms the club has “launched their bid for the France Under-21 international,

Newcastle United do not want to lose Alexander Isak to Liverpool this summer and strengthening the squad while keeping hold of the Sweden star would send out a strong message