Liverpool have reached agreement on personal terms with Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike for a six-year contract, according to multiple reports on 17 July. The Anfield club has informed Frankfurt it is ready to offer around £80 million—just below the French forward’s £85 million release clause—with talks between the clubs now focused on finalising the fee and payment structure. Newcastle United, whose £70 million bid was rejected earlier in the window, has withdrawn from the race, leaving Liverpool in pole position for the 23-year-old after the Reds turned to Ekitike as an alternative to Alexander Isak. Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krosche has previously said the club will allow key players to leave if a fair valuation is met.