After a hectic week, Newcastle look to have fended off Liverpool's interest in Alexander Isak, with the Premier League champions turning to Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike.

Liverpool are willing to go all out to sign Alexander Isak, with a juicy offer being prepared for Newcastle, and the striker's stance on a move emerging

The Reds are recruiting from a position of strength having secured the Premier League title last season but know they must spend big to acquire their long-term No.9. They have whittled their search down to two players: Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitiké and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.

Where Next for Liverpool’s No.9 Role?Liverpool’s search for a new frontman continues to dominate the conversation across fan channels

Newcastle have maintained throughout the summer that their top players - and Alexander Isak is certainly one of those - are not for sale. Indeed, like Liverpool, Newcastle - who are owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) - are in a comfortable PSR position.

He outlined this afternoon ( via X ): ‘Hugo Ekitike wants to join Liverpool. The striker has agreed in principle to the move if a deal can be struck between the clubs, and Liverpool have indicated to Eintracht Frankurt that they are ready to make an official offer. Talks are progressing and things are expected to move quickly.

All the latest rumours, transfer talks, medicals, agreements and done deals in one place – follow along with Thursday's live blog below.

One name dominating the conversation is Alexander Isak, with Panenka LFC offering a fascinating analysis of why the Swedish forward is at the top of Liverpool’s shortlist. “If he’s not available, then they will turn to sign Hugo Ekitike.

There is serious danger that Man Utd’s approach for Bryan Mbeumo flounders completely after Brentford upped their asking price to £70 million ($94 million), according to The Guardian. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is said to be holding firm on a £65 million ($87.3 million) valuation.