Liverpool set to challenge Newcastle for Ekitike; Reds eye Watkins and Osimhen, while Frankfurt reject Magpies' bid
Liverpool are poised to compete with Newcastle United for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, 23, following confirmation that Sweden international Alexander Isak, 25, is not available for transfer this summer.
Newcastle suspect that the public revelation of Liverpool's £120m interest is a strategic move intended to unsettle Isak.
In addition to Ekitike, Liverpool have made enquiries about several alternative attacking options, including Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, 29, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, 26, Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, 28, and Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, 24.
Napoli have informed the Reds that a move for Uruguay forward Darwin Nunez, 26, is no longer being considered.
Colombian winger Luis Diaz, 28, has expressed a desire to leave Anfield after the club turned down a £58.6m offer from Bayern Munich.
Leeds United have reached an agreement in principle with Newcastle for English midfielder Sean Longstaff, 27.
Tottenham Hotspur are battling Inter Milan for the signature of Belgium defender Koni de Winter, 23.
Bournemouth have set a £59m valuation for Ukrainian centre-back Illia Zabarnyi, 22, amid strong interest from Paris Saint-Germain.
Chelsea are preparing for a summer overhaul, with Portugal forward Joao Felix, 25, in discussions over a return to Benfica and France international Christopher Nkunku, 27, also expected to depart.
Manchester United have registered their interest in signing Juventus and Brazil midfielder Douglas Luiz, 27, while Everton are also monitoring the situation.
Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate, 26, has declined a lucrative offer from a Saudi Pro League club.
The Reds have placed a £43.5m valuation on the France international for any potential suitors this summer.
Sassuolo striker Andrea Pinamonti, 26, is attracting interest from West Ham United, with Brentford also making enquiries about the Italian.
Leeds United are exploring a loan deal for Real Madrid’s 21-year-old Spanish striker Gonzalo Garcia.
Nottingham Forest have identified Aston Villa and England Under-21 midfielder Jacob Ramsey, 24, as their top priority for the current window.
