Liverpool agree personal terms with Hugo Ekitike as Eintracht Frankfurt transfer nears

Ekitike

Liverpool have agreed personal terms with Hugo Ekitike as they press ahead in their attempt to sign the Eintracht Frankfurt striker.

The Reds have identified Ekitike as they look to update their forward options under Arne Slot, with the player keen on a move to Anfield.

Talks have taken place between Liverpool and Bundesliga side Frankfurt over the last 48 hours aimed at brokering a deal for the 23-year-old French forward.

And it's understood the Reds have already thrashed out personal terms with Ekitike over a long-term contract after being given the green light to hold negotiations with the player and his representatives.

Ekitike has become one of the most sought-after young forwards in Europe after an impressive 18 months at Frankfurt having previously been at Reims and Paris Saint-Germain.

Newcastle United had a bid of €80million (£69.4m) rejected on Tuesday by Frankfurt, who want nearer to €100m (£86.7m) for the player.

The Magpies - whose £100m-plus rated Alexander Isak has been a long-time target for Liverpool - have subsequently withdrawn from the negotiating table, with reports suggesting Manchester United also approached Ekitike's representatives over a possible move only to be instantly rebuffed.

The path has now been cleared for Liverpool to agree a deal with Frankfurt with talks ongoing over the fee and the structure of the proposal for the France under-21 international, who scored 22 goals in 48 games last season.