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Exclusives
Newcastle insiders worried Liverpool could swoop in for ‘top-class’ Magpies target, Reds are a ‘real danger’
TBR Football can exclusively confirm how Newcastle United insiders feel about Liverpool having joined the race for Hugo Ekitike.
The Magpies are currently looking to strengthen their attacking ranks and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Ekitike has emerged as a top target.
However, Liverpool are now trying to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle and, should they fail to do so, then they’re likely to turn their attentions to Ekitike.
TBR Football can also confirm why the Magpies are trying to sign Ekitike, and which other Premier League club is eyeing the Frenchman.
Liverpool are the ‘real danger’ in Newcastle’s pursuit of Hugo Ekitike
TBR Football‘s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that Newcastle feel that Hugo Ekitike is a ‘difficult’ deal to do.
This is because other clubs, including Liverpool, have joined the chase for his signature.
Chelsea are also keeping tabs on the situation, as Ekitike is a player they would move for if they moved on from Nicolas Jackson.
“Newcastle have made their move, they are talking to the player’s camp now and trying to agree terms,” Bailey exclusively told TBR Football.
“He is a player they have appreciated for years now and the club feel now is the right time to try and get him.
“As it stands they are saying the plan is to bring Ekitike in and work with all their current forwards – Eddie Howe wants options, top-class options.
“Ekitike to play with Alexander Isak – it could be a mouthwatering prospect and if anyone can make it work, Eddie Howe is the man for that.
“Newcastle want to show to their fans and players alike that they mean business.
“What better way to convince the likes of an Alexander Isak that he can fulfill his ambitions on Tyneside – than to bring in someone like Ekitike alongside him.
“However, Liverpool are the real danger – they like Isak and Ekitike.
“Isak is their dream but, as TBR Football revealed earlier this month, Ekitike is on Liverpool’s radar too.”
READ MORE: Newcastle now at risk of missing out on two top transfer targets due to ‘fascinating’ turn of events
What Newcastle have made of Liverpool’s Alexander Isak approach
Not only do Newcastle have to worry about Liverpool swooping in for Hugo Ekitike, but they’ve also got to be mindful of the Reds’ interest in Isak.
Bailey recently confirmed that Liverpool have indeed made contact with Newcastle over Isak, as per sources from both clubs.
However, Newcastle insist that no bid has been submitted for Isak, and the Magpies have not welcomed Liverpool’s approach for the Swede.
“If Isak rejects a new deal at Newcastle, there is something there and Liverpool think that,” said Bailey.
“The only real way Newcastle can put this to bed is by getting Isak to pen this new deal – while no agreement is reached, Liverpool probably won’t go away.”