Star striker EXPECTED to move after Liverpool take next step

Liverpool have taken the next step for one of Europe's most in-form forwards. The striker is expected to move this summer.

Liverpool are in the market for a new centre-forward this summer. The Reds aren't happy with their current options, quite simply, with Arne Slot struggling all season to find something consistent.

Liverpool Transfer News Today: Reds prepare RECORD bid as star is READY to join

He's tried Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz as the central striker. None of them have really worked, however.

Jota started the season on fire but once again, injury struck. A constant battle with issues means the Portugal star has only featured for 884 minutes in the Premier League. That's around one-third of the total available.

Nunez has been a completely different problem. There are times where he's absolutely brilliant and looks like a superstar. Then there are more times where he doesn't look capable of delivering at this level.

It's an entirely different 'unreliability' to Jota's and together they're forcing Liverpool into the transfer market.

READ MORE: Forget Alexander Isak, Richard Hughes will sign GIANT €40m forward instead

Liverpool like Hugo Ekitike

One player Liverpool have lined up for the role next season is Hugo Ekitike. The Frenchman has been fantastic for Eintracht Frankfurt this season but as with all their brilliant forwards, he's expected to leave.

Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany makes it clear that there's a wealth of interest in Ekitike, including from Liverpool. He claims the Reds have made the first important step of properly registering their interest, too, as the race heats up.

Frankfurt do expect to sell Ekitike this summer. They won't sell particularly cheap - €80m - but the striker is available.

READ MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold now set for EARLY Liverpool exit

And there are plenty of ways in which Ekitike feels like the best option this summer. Alexander Isak is obviously the no.1 name on the list and the most exciting potential signing but he's far from the only choice here.

Liverpool won't want to get this one wrong, either, as the club are eager to build on this incredibly encouraging first season under Slot. Getting that striker signing correct - potentially the leading light of the forward line after Mo Salah - is absolutely vital.

Exclusive: £41m centre-back is READY to join Liverpool

Perhaps Ekitike is that man.