Liverpool have made a significant breakthrough in their pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.
As reported by The Athletic, the Reds have reached an outline agreement with Frankfurt as they look to sign the highly-rated 23-year-old.
Liverpool are now working on finalising the deal, which could be concluded soon.
If all of the add-ons are met then it is anticipated that Ekitike could be a club-record sale for Frankfurt.
Frankfurt’s current record sale is that of Randal Kolo Muani, who joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 for £64.2million plus £12.2million.
Ekitike was dropped from Eintracht Frankfurt’s starting lineup for their friendly against FSV Frankfurt on Saturday amid speculation over his future.
Liverpool have made a major breakthrough in their pursuit of Hugo Ekitike
Arne Slot’s team are closing in on a deal for Ekitike, who could become Eintracht Frankfurt’s record sale
Liverpool had also been linked with Alexander Isak, but are now focusing on Ekitike
Newcastle had an offer of £70million rejected for Ekitike, which fell £16million short of his release clause.
Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak but now seem focused on securing a deal for Ekitike, who has played for France at Under-21 level.
Last season Ekitike scored 22 goals in 48 games for Frankfurt in all competitions, with 15 of those strikes coming in the Bundesliga.
He was also named in the Bundesliga team of the season following a hugely impressive campaign.
Ekitike was previously at PSG, initially on loan from Reims before joining permanently.
However, he only made 33 appearances for PSG in total and scored four goals.
Liverpool have already been heavily active in the transfer market this summer.
The Premier League champions brought in Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, while Milos Kerkez joined from Bournemouth.
Last season Ekitike scored 22 goals in 48 games for Frankfurt in all competitions
Trent Alexander-Arnold joined Real Madrid, while Jarell Quansah signed for Bayer Leverkusen.
