Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike pursuit takes GIANT step forward

Liverpool have their sights set on Hugo Ekitike and a move for the forward has taken a giant step forward.

Liverpool are in the market for a new striker this summer. Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota are now both linked with moves away as the Reds set about overhauling their forward line.

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There have been plenty of names linked with the no.9 role, too. Liam Delap at Ipswich Town is one of those - his form this season has been brilliant, while relegation would trigger a £30m release clause.

There's Jonathan David at Lille whose contract expires at the end of the season. Liverpool could find a true bargain there.

Two forwards, however, are linked more than anyone else. Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike appear to be at the top of Liverpool's shopping list after fantastic campaigns.

Isak has arguably been the best no.9 in Europe this season. He's consistently shone and alongside Mo Salah, you'd have him as one of the absolute best in the Premier League right now.

Ekitike hasn't quite hit those heights but he's also four years younger than Isak. He's got every chance to become as good as the Swede.

And it's increasingly looking like Ekitike will be the one.

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Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool

The Daily Mail reports that Newcastle United are increasingly likely to keep Isak for next season. 'Transfer chief and agents' are apparently expecting the forward to remain at the club beyond this summer.

No one, it seems, is willing to pay the asking price and Newcastle aren't budging. That essentially leaves Liverpool with one major option.

Isak being off the market is a giant step forward for the Ekitike move. He's now quite comfortably the best option the Reds have up top and we imagine they'll push a lot harder on a deal now.

And with good reason. Ekitike is a phenomenal talent and one who could lead the line for Liverpool for many years to come.

He's a fraction of the cost of Isak, too. We're talking nearly £100m less - and that's money Liverpool need if they're to fund the other transfers they have planned this summer.

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It's maybe not quite time to entirely rule out the Isak move but it's certainly unlikely at this stage. Ekitike now looks written in the stars.