The Premier League champions have switched their focus to the France international after missing out on Alexander Isak.

Liverpool are advancing in talks with Eintracht Frankfurt over the transfer of Hugo Ekitike. The club’s proposed package to sign the 23-year-old striker is in excess of €80million (£69.2m; $92.7m) and personal terms are not expected to be an issue.

The Reds are recruiting from a position of strength having secured the Premier League title last season but know they must spend big to acquire their long-term No.9. They have whittled their search down to two players: Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitiké and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.