Liverpool have shifted focus to Hugo Ekitike after Newcastle refused to part with Alexander Isak. With a verbal agreement in place, the Reds are pushing to seal a £70m+ deal before the transfer window closes.

Liverpool are said to have reacted to Newcastle shutting the door on Isak talks by launching a bid for Ekitike, and Fabrizio Romano reports on Thursday morning that they are now ahead of the Magpies in the race to sign the French forward. The Reds expect to sign Ekitike if all hopes of an Isak deal end.

Liverpool are in talks with Hugo Ekitike and it has been claimed that the Frenchman could become better than Alexander Isak