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 Move Fast to Land Hugo Ekitike from Under Newcastle’s NoseIn a summer window where precision matters as much as power, Liverpool are once again setting the benchmark for transfer

In the latest Blood Red column, Ian Doyle looks at Liverpool's pursuit of Hugo Ekitike and why the Reds are chasing his signature

Newcastle want Ekitike. Liverpool want Isak. Is there a world in which selling one and bringing in the other makes sense for Eddie Howe?

Newcastle United are advancing talks for Hugo Ekitike while Liverpool preparing a move for Alexander Isak in a developing transfer saga.

Liverpool’s top target this summer was long believed to be Alexander Isak, with Julian Alvarez also mentioned. Hendrick was clear: “Isak or Alvarez, anything else is a step down. Simple as that.” But when viewing Ekitike on his own terms, not as an Isak alternative, Hendrick found compelling value.

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,

Newcastle will shift focus to other targets with The Athletic reporting they are now exploring a move to sign Wissa. His contract in west London is set to expire next summer although the Bees do have the option to extend that by a further 12 months.