Liverpool have 'concrete' interest in Alexander Isak alternative as club pull out of the race in huge update

A huge update has emerged regarding Liverpool's pursuit of a new forward this summer.

Liverpool have already splashed the cash ahead of the new season, signing Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, who cost a club-record £116 million, and Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth.

They remain in the market for new talent, with Arne Slot thought to be keen on bringing in a new No.9.

Newcastle United's Alexander Isak, who scored 23 league goals last season, is believed to be on Liverpool's radar.

Liverpool are also looking at Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike, who is regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in Europe.

And, according to Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool remain a 'concrete' option, with Chelsea pulling out of the race to sign Ekitike following their transfer of Joao Pedro, who joined the club from Brighton in a deal worth £60 million.

Liverpool have 'concrete' interest in Hugo Ekitike. Image: Getty

The 23-year-old is valued at a whopping €100 million (£86 million).

On X, Plettenberg wrote: "Eintracht Frankfurt would like to keep Hugo Ekitike, also to be well prepared for the Champions League.

"However, Eintracht are expecting offers this month. Liverpool remain a concrete option. Newcastle have renewed their interest. Manchester United still there. Chelsea are currently unlikely due to the transfer of Joao Pedro. His price tag is €100m. #LFC #MUFC. How will the poker end?"

So, per Plettenberg, Man United are 'still there' as Ruben Amorim looks for attacking reinforcements, having already signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5 million.

But the Red Devils face competition from Liverpool and Newcastle, who can both offer Champions League football.

Ekitike, who came through Reims' youth academy, signed for Frankfurt from Paris Saint-Germain after the German side triggered the buy option in his loan deal. He cost €16.5 million (£14 million).

The towering Frenchman scored 22 goals in 48 games across all competitions last season.