Hugo Ekitike deal edges closer as Frankfurt move in on AGREEMENT

Liverpool's move for Hugo Ekitike could be edging closer after the latest developments.

The French forward is a target for Richard Hughes this summer. Many Liverpool fans will want to see Alexander Isak at the club. However, it's becoming apparent that the financial terms of that deal are almost near impossible for the Reds to pull off.

READ MORE: £100m? Liverpool will reject INSULTING price for brilliant striker

Hughes therefore has to look at alternative options and the best alternative option in the market right now is Ekitike.

He's a player who is perfectly tailored to play under Arne Slot's style of play. Ekitike is both a goal-scorer and a provider. He could fit seamlessly into the Liverpool team and he's still very young.

Three years Isak's junior, there's every chance Ekitike could become just as good as the Swedish forward, if not even better.

READ MORE: Porto made to pay for Luis Diaz transfer fee SHORTFALL

The club have monitored him for a long time and it's no surprise that Liverpool's interest in Ekitike has now been confirmed.

Liverpool moving closer to Hugo Ekitike deal

Obviously, there is another party to contend with in this deal and that is Eintracht Frankfurt who will be reluctant to allow Ekitike to leave considering he is their prized asset.

But it seems like the German side are prepared to make a deal with Liverpool. According to Florian Plettenberg, Frankfurt are eyeing up potential replacements for Ekitike.

The German reporter claims that Frankfurt are in talks to find an agreement to sign Jonathan Burkardt from Mainz.

The German U21 international seems like an ideal fit for Frankfurt and pretty much the perfect replacement for Ekitike so this would be a mega transfer for the German side.

It's a deal that could benefit everyone involved, too. If Frankfurt manage to wrap up a move for Burkardt early, which is what they are trying to do, Liverpool can do the same for Ekitike.

It's a transfer that definitely edges Ekitike closer to a move to Liverpool. Frankfurt are clearly making plans to replace him and are planning their future accordingly. The fact that they are trying to get this deal done nice and early is a very positive sign.

READ MORE: Liverpool gifted BRILLIANT Liam Delap deal

Hughes will have to do a lot of business in the summer and signing a no.9 is a priority, so if Liverpool can get this deal over the line early that would be a huge bonus and Frankfurt are clearly paving the way for that.

Liverpool FC News Recap: Ekitike interest CONFIRMED as Reds learn of £21m clause