Lionel Messi has made his feelings clear on Hugo Ekitike with three-word nickname ahead of Liverpool transfer

Lionel Messi's nickname for Hugo Ekitike has been revealed as the striker continues to be linked with Liverpool.

On Thursday, it was claimed that Liverpool had submitted a bid to sign Ekitike from German Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano wrote on social media: "EXCL: Liverpool have submitted official bid to Eintracht for Hugo Ekitike!

"Eintracht already informed Liverpool that they want more, proposal rejected but it was initial contact as talks continue. Ekitike said 𝐲𝐞𝐬 Liverpool, no issues on personal terms. He wants #LFC."

Ekitike, 23, is one of the most highly rated forwards in Europe, having scored 22 goals and assisted 12 in 48 appearances across all competitions.

The Premier League champions have been chasing a new striker this summer, having been linked with the likes of Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko.

Hugo Ekitike has been linked with a move to Liverpool. Image: Getty

After facing difficulties in their push to sign Isak from Newcastle United, it looks like Liverpool are going to try and agree a deal for Ekitike as quickly as possible.

Having started his career at Reims, the 23-year-old joined Paris Saint Germain in 2022.

During his time at the Parc des Princes, Ekitike shared the dressing room with the likes of Messi, Sergio Ramos and Kylian Mbappe.

Lionel Messi had three-word nickname for Hugo Ekitike

Back in October 2022, it was revealed that Messi had nicknamed Ekitike 'the iron rod' due to his 'wiry frame'.

French news outlet Get Football News France wrote: "Messi, meanwhile, has taken to naming him “the iron rod” in reference to his wiry frame. The inury-prone forward has also hired a personal trainer and a physio in order to develop his body for the highest level."

Hugo Ekitike played with Lionel Messi at PSG. Image: Getty

So far this summer, the Reds have signed Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez.

Meanwhile, along with Ekitike, the likes of Marc Guehi, Rodrygo and Anthony Gordon have all been linked with a move to Anfield.

Liverpool will begin their Premier League title defence against Bournemouth at Anfield next month.