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.