Newcastle had wanted to partner Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike in attack, but have ended their interest in the Frenchman who now looks set to join Liverpool

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 United are pushing ahead with their attempt to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike in the hope of pairing him with Alexander Isak next season.