Newcastle United initially submitted a club-record bid of around £70 million (€75 million) for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, a 23-year-old forward and France youth international. Eintracht Frankfurt rejected Newcastle's offer, reportedly seeking a fee closer to Ekitike's £86 million release clause. Newcastle pursued the transfer aggressively, aiming to complete a deal worth up to €100 million, but talks stalled as Eintracht held firm on valuation. Concurrently, Liverpool expressed strong interest in Newcastle's 25-year-old Sweden international striker Alexander Isak, reportedly preparing a £120 million bid. Newcastle maintained a firm stance that Isak was not for sale. Following this, Liverpool shifted focus to Ekitike, opening direct negotiations with Eintracht Frankfurt and the player. Ekitike reportedly agreed to personal terms with Liverpool on a six-year contract and expressed a clear preference to join Liverpool over other suitors, including Manchester United. Liverpool submitted an official bid for Ekitike, which was initially rejected by Eintracht, but negotiations continued. Liverpool is now the frontrunner for Ekitike's signature, with an agreement outline reportedly in place and a formal deal expected imminently. Newcastle has stepped back from pursuing Ekitike after Liverpool's advances, effectively ending their pursuit of the forward.