‘Liverpool make Alexander Isak push’ after Hugo Ekitike agrees terms
Liverpool are close to signing an A-list striker after a breakthrough in negotiations as they continue to consider Alexander Isak as one of their top targets.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Arne Slot has been planning to sign a centre-forward all summer.
Liverpool are closing in on a deal to sign Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike for £70million-plus after a breakthrough in talks. He has now agreed personal terms with the Merseysiders and told friends he wants to join them ahead of his other Premier League and European suitors, including Newcastle.
Football Insider first and exclusively revealed in April that Liverpool were targeting Ekitike, and has been told an £80million bid would be enough to secure his services.
Slot is believed to be leading the push for his number number nine after growing concerned about the position over the course of their Premier League title-winning season.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 12 May that Liverpool are prioritising signing a new striker as well as a left-back and centre-back.
Liverpool finalise Hugo Ekitike deal – ‘it will happen’
Brown previously told Football Insider that Slot wants to sign a world-class forward as a replacement for their current options who could leave this summer.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that the boss has not been happy with his current options at Anfield.
“We mentioned it some time ago, Slot hasn’t been happy with his forwards,” he told Football Insider.
“When you look at the front three last season, it’s a choice of any three from five really, and the manager wants players he knows he can rely on every week.
“Liverpool have been looking to sign a new forward all summer, and of course it’s going to be something they look to now complete.
“They want that star name to lead the line and there’s been speculation about a few players.
“They’ve been looking at Isak, who by all accounts is their top target in that position, and Hugo Ekitike as well as Ollie Watkins.
“So Liverpool have already been out and signed some key players to add to their squad.
“Their next target is a centre-forward, and I expect them to make progress towards signing one of their big-name targets in the next few weeks. It will happen and get done soon.”
Marc Guehi deal accelerates as Crystal Palace eye Diomande
Alongside the decision to step up their pursuit of a striker, Liverpool remain keen to strengthen at the back with the addition of Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi.
Football Insider revealed on 15 July that Liverpool are increasingly likely to sign Guehi as Crystal Palace continue to eye a move for Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande.
The Eagles have identified Diomande as their top target to replace their club captain, and have been in negotiations with the Portuguese champions for weeks.
Brown told Football Insider in June that Palace are confident of signing Diomande despite recent interest from the likes of Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.
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