Liverpool are preparing to make a bid for Hugo Ekitike after learning the France U21 international is keen on a to Anfield, according to the latest reports from the Reds' reputable Daily Mail reporter Dominic King (who was previously poached to cover horse racing, but was brought back following's improved results last season - old fans should all know him).

In fact, Liverpool have been holding internal discussions over potential forward targets for the past week, with varying in length but involving a host of names including Alexander Isak, Yohan Verschaet, Oli Watkins and Victor Osimhen.

Isak is, course, top of that list, and Liverpool are ready to break their club-record transfer fee again if Newcastle decide to sell.

Signing the Sweden international would clearly be difficult proposition, however, and so Liverpool have also set their sights on Ekitike, who has excelled in the Bundesliga with Frankfurt.

Newcastle had £70m bid for the 22-year-old rejected, but their proposed package was bereft of a £16m short of his release clause; addition, the Magpies hierarchy believe Ekitike is not fully convinced about a move to the north-east.

This opens the door for Liverpool, who would have no getting the funds together to complete the deal. As such, it seems increasingly likely to be a case of when, rather than if, the move takes place.

Liver have splashed the cash this summer and changed their entire squad, but they are hoping to recoup the majority of their outlay. West Ham want Harvey Elliott and Tyler Morton who would fetch around £55m between them.

As for Luis Diaz, it remains to be seen whether Bayern Munich will return with another bid for the Colombian after an initial offer of £58.5m was rejected.