Liverpool manager Arne Slot took centre stage to help convince Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike to reject a move to Newcastle United and St. James’ Park in favour of Anfield, according to

It's little wonder Juventus are keen to bring him back to Turin but having just signed Canadian Jonathan David on a free transfer but big wages, and with ongoing concerns over Dusan Vhlovic's status in the squad, the Old Lady have stalled on a deal for Kolo Muani.

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

Eddie Howe wanted Joao Pedro before Chelsea reached a £60m agreement with Brighton, with Newcastle keen on attacking reinforcements after releasing Callum Wilson. Newcastle then turned attention towards Hugo Ekitike, only for Liverpool to swoop in and shake hands with Eintracht Frankfurt on a £79m fee for the Frenchman.

Liverpool are on the verge of securing the services of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike in a deal reported to be worth approximately £82 million.

It was previously reported early in the week that Newcastle United had seen an €80m (£69.5m) offer rejected by Eintracht Frankfurt for Hugo Ekitike. I would have been more than happy for United to have signed the 23 year old as second striker to Alexander Isak,

Latest Newcastle United transfer news and gossip with an update on the futures of Brentford forward Yoane Wissa and Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford