Arne Slot keeping ‘close eye’ on top Liverpool target as Reds rule out moves for £140m Premier League duo

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It is no secret that Liverpool are entering the summer transfer market in search of a new striker.

The Reds’ frailties in the number nine position have come to light over the last month with the two games against PSG and Newcastle before the international break showcasing how much Arne Slot’s side struggles to score when Mohamed Salah has an off day.

Darwin Nunez is expected to leave Liverpool this summer, while the future of Diogo Jota at Anfield remains up in the air, although the Portuguese star is expected to remain on Merseyside.

In order to replace outgoing stars, Liverpool have been linked with several strikers in recent weeks, and it has emerged that the Reds are keeping a ‘close eye’ on one target in particular.

• READ MORE: Arne Slot cannot ignore Alexander Isak alternative anymore after what Liverpool target did against England U21s

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike is a top target for Liverpool

Newcastle’s Alexander Isak is Liverpool’s top target for the number nine role in Slot’s team ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, however, the Reds will find it very difficult to lure the £150m star away from the Tyneside club.

That has left them looking for alternatives and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike tops that list as the French star can be signed this summer for a deal worth around £67m (€80m), half the price of Isak.

In a new report from the Daily Mail, Lewis Steele has stated that Ekitike is a player Liverpool are certainly watching and that it is a transfer worth keeping a close eye on.

“Hugo Ekitike is the name that pops up the most when I speak to people so I think it is fair to say he is one to keep a close eye on,” Steele said on Liverpool’s search for a new striker.

“The France Under 21 star has scored 19 goals and made eight assists for Eintracht Frankfurt this season and ticks a lot of boxes in terms of his age profile and experience – he is playing every week in a top league and has European experience, too.”

There are other names Liverpool are believed to have an interest in; however, a £140m Premier League duo have been ruled out ahead of the summer transfer window.

• READ MORE: The future of £12.5m Liverpool star remains in doubt despite Arne Slot hinting at another season

Liam Delap and Joao Pedro will not be moving to Liverpool

Liverpool have shown an interest in Liam Delap as the Ipswich Town striker can leave Portman Road this summer for around £40m. The English talent is a complete number nine and that is a profile that Slot is interested in adding to his squad.

More of a false nine profile, Liverpool have also been linked to Joao Pedro as the Brighton forward reminds those at Anfield of Roberto Firmino, who was a big success on Merseyside. The Brazilian has a £100m price tag on his head, which will be a major turn-off for the Premier League leaders.

Speaking about both these targets, Steele can’t see any of the Premier League duo joining Liverpool and has essentially ruled them out of a move to Anfield this summer.

“Liam Delap at Ipswich has been mentioned a lot but I do not think he is a viable candidate – a great player, though – and Joao Pedro of Brighton is similar. There has been talk that Liverpool have lodged an interest in the Brazilian but I don’t believe this to be true at this stage.”

It remains to be seen what striker Liverpool add to Slot’s squad for the 25/26 campaign but the smart money at present will be placed on Ekitike for several reasons, although everyone associated with the Merseyside club are still dreaming of Isak.