Thierry Henry reportedly said Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike “does not do the basics very well” as Liverpool close in on their target. Having been given a firm no to Alexandar Isak’s availability, Liverpool have instead targeted Ekitike and a deal for the 23-year-old is said to be close to completion.

According to Sport Bild, Frankfurt are holding out for a higher fee, but Liverpool’s strong relationship with the Bundesliga club may smooth negotiations. Ekitike has reportedly expressed his desire to join the Reds and is now awaiting a club-to-club agreement.

Newcastle tried and failed to sign Hugo Ekitike in 2022 and have seen a new club-record £70m bid turned down this week; the Magpies want Ekitike to play alongside Alexander Isak; Newcastle have held t

NEWCASTLE’S pursuit of Hugo Ekitike is over after they left talks for the Eintracht Frankfurt striker, according to reports. The Magpies saw an opening bid of a club-record £69.5m knocked