Newcastle are close to losing the race for Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool but Eddie Howe's side have already got a backup plan, a player proven in the Premier League

Newcastle's hopes of signing Brentford striker Yoane Wissa have been handed a major boost after the DR Congo international told the Bees that he wants to leave this summer

Liverpool have submitted a bid worth €75 million (£65m/$87m) to sign Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike. The Reds are keen on signing a No.9 this summer and want to wrap up the transfer as soon as possible.

Can they afford him? What would the deal mean for Isak? Our reporters dissect the news Newcastle are in talks to sign the French forward

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.

Newcastle have been in talks with Eintracht Frankfurt to sign Ekitike for a few days now, and they are really keen to land him. Liverpool, who made an approach for Alexander Isak, have also contacted the German club to be informed of the Ekitike situation.

The 6ft 3in forward is one of the quickest players in the Bundesliga, surprisingly effective in the air and could work in tandem with Isak

Confidence is growing that Newcastle can quickly wrap up the signing of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt after sending club officials to Germany to finalise the transfer, and with David Ornstein revealing how his arrival will impact the Magpies’ side,