Topics: Anfield, Football, Liverpool, Mohamed Salah, Premier League, Transfer News, Hugo Ekitike
Hugo Ekitike will be forced to have an awkward conversation with Mohamed Salah if he joins Liverpool this summer.
Liverpool have recently ramped up their business in the summer transfer window as they made their desire of Newcastle United star Alexander Isak known.
The Reds are reportedly willing to offer the Magpies a world-record fee of around £120million for the Swedish international, who scored 23 goals in 34 Premier League appearances last season.
However, with Newcastle seemingly making it clear that they are not willing to let their star player go, Liverpool appear to have turned their attention to Eintracht Frankfurt striker Ekitike.
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The Premier League champions are yet to submit any formal offer for Ekitike, but if he is to join Liverpool then he will be forced to have an awkward conversation with new teammate Salah.
Once Liverpool receive final confirmation that Isak is not available, it has been reported that they will table a bid for Ekitike that is more than the £70m bid that Newcastle saw rejected earlier in the summer.
With Frankfurt seemingly willing to accept a deal totalling £85m, it is therefore likely that negotiations with Liverpool over a fee wouldn't take long, allowing him to seal his move to Anfield quickly.
But when he arrives as Liverpool's latest star signing, it is almost certain that he would have to change from the squad number that he has worn at Frankfurt.
That is because the 23-year-old currently wears the No 11 shirt at Frankfurt, a shirt that is of course currently worn by club legend Salah, meaning it is completely off limits unless Ekitike can convince Salah to change.
With his current shirt number off limits at Liverpool, Ekitike will have to decide on another if he is to join Arne Slot's side in the coming weeks.
Although there are no numbers currently available that stand out as clear options for Ekitike, the expected departure of current Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez would offer an opportunity.
Throughout the summer the Uruguay striker continues to be linked with a move away, with the Saudi Pro League and Napoli potential options.
Should Nunez leave Liverpool, that would leave the No 9 free for the taking, a perfect choice for Liverpool's new striker.
