Hugo Ekitike has made decision over who he’d prefer to join out of Liverpool or Newcastle

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Liverpool are embroiled in a transfer tug-of-war with Newcastle which has no signs of ending any time soon.

The Reds have had some memorable skirmishes with the Magpies over recent years as they become a force on the pitch once again.

But while Newcastle won the Carabao Cup final battle over Liverpool at Wembley in March, Arne Slot is attempting to make a big move which could ultimately win the war.

Liverpool are trying to sign Alexander Isak in a British record transfer. Should they succeed, Newcastle will be left considerably weaker.

In the meantime, the Toon are trying to go in the opposite direction. Eddie Howe has seemingly identified Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike as an ideal signing and is reportedly trying to pair the Frenchman with Isak.

However, Liverpool stand in their way. It has become clear that if the Reds cannot sign Isak, they will go after Ekitike instead. With the 23-year-old stuck in the middle of an epic battle over his services, he has reportedly decided which club he wants to join.

Hugo Ekitike prefers Liverpool over Newcastle

Liverpool have pulled a very clever transfer manoeuvre on Newcastle here. Their pitch is essentially, ‘give us your striker, or we’ll take your top target.’

It is an unenviable position for the Magpies to be in, as they face either losing Isak, or missing out on Ekitike yet again.

The latter option is perhaps more palatable to supporters, and according to former player turned pundit Jan Aage Fjortoft, if Liverpool do not sign Isak, Ekitike would be keen on a move to Anfield.

READ MORE: How Liverpool are set to respond to ‘belligerent’ Newcastle over not-for-sale Alexander Isak

“Re: Ekitike Eintracht Frankfurt asking for €100m,” Fjortoft posted on X. “Major sales/qualifying for the CL: No financial need to sell. Player relaxed and knows that if he stays: CL football.”

“I just told ESPNFC : -I understand that if he were to be sold, Ekitike would prefer a move to Liverpool.”

Liverpool ready to bid higher for Ekitike

It is not only from the player side where a move to Liverpool appears more favourable.

According to German journalist Florian Plettenberg, the Reds are also likely to offer a bigger fee to Frankfurt for the ‘stunning’ Ekitike than Newcastle.

“Understand Liverpool are willing to pay more than what Newcastle have offered for Hugo Ekitike, and Eintracht Frankfurt have been informed about it,” says Plettenberg.

“There is no agreement between Newcastle and Frankfurt yet, despite advanced talks between Newcastle and the Ekitike camp.

“However, Manchester United are also still involved and are monitoring the situation closely.”

Although this all feels like potentially taking Liverpool further away from a dream deal for Isak, it is good to hear they are ready to move on a back-up plan if needed.