Liverpool have made Hugo Ekitike their top target this summer and the forward is now reportedly trying to force through a move to Anfield by handing in a transfer requestEintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo EkitikeEintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Liverpool target Hugo Ekitike has reportedly submitted a transfer request at Eintracht Frankfurt, aiming to secure his move to Anfield. The French player has become Liverpool’s primary target this summer as they seemingly move on from Newcastle star Alexander Isak, who could have cost them around £125m.

Liverpool have since made their move for Ekitike – a player also pursued by Newcastle, who had a £70m bid for the forward turned down. The Premier League champions are now seen as favourites to sign the player, having received indications that he is eager to join Arne Slot’s team.

Liverpool may need to meet Ekitike’s release clause, believed to be around £86.5m, but he still offers a more affordable alternative than Isak. In an effort to ensure the transfer proceeds, the 23-year-old French international has now reportedly submitted a transfer request at Frankfurt.

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Sport BILD reports that Ekitike is prepared to push for his significant transfer and has taken matters into his own hands. Newcastle had hoped to pair Ekitike with Isak, but it now appears that Liverpool have taken the lead in the race for his signature.

Slot already boasts a wealth of attacking talent, including Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa. However, he’s keen to lighten the goalscoring load on Salah and bolster the front line with more high-calibre competition.

The club demonstrated their commitment to maintaining a formidable attacking force by turning down Bayern Munich’s £58.6m bid for Diaz. Liverpool have already secured six new signings this summer, including Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and record purchase Florian Wirtz – who joined for a British record transfer fee of £116.5m.

The Reds have also greeted the arrival of goalkeeper Giorgi Marmadashvili from Valencia and have enlisted shot-stopper Freddie Woodman following his departure from Preston and Armin Pecsi.

The Liverpool ECHO understands that the Reds have agreed personal terms with Ekitike over a move to Anfield. Talks with Frankfurt have been held since Tuesday on a fee for the forward.

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