Newcastle United are worried about losing out on their primary striker target, Hugo Ekitike, after Liverpool played the Alexander Isak card.

According to Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Newcastle United are fearful of losing out on Hugo Ekitike amid concerns over Liverpool swooping in for the Frenchman. In an intense 48-hour period, plenty of blocks have been moved about the Eintracht Frankfurt star, with the Magpies now in danger of missing out on their key target.

The mood between Newcastle United and Liverpool is tense at the moment following the updates in the last 24-48 hours. Eddie Howe wanted to improve his side ahead of the new season and bring in the right reinforcements. Anthony Elanga’s arrival does improve their attacking setup, but the Newcastle manager also wants a new striker to compete with star man Alexander Isak.

Newcastle United made their move for Hugo Ekitike on Monday, with many sources claiming that a move could be closer than anticipated. However, those links to the Frenchman gave rise to doubts over Isak’s immediate future, and whether the Magpies sought the Eintracht Frankfurt striker, who contributed to 34 goals last season, as a replacement for the Swede.

The word from Newcastle United’s end proclaimed that Ekitike was an addition to play alongside Isak rather than a replacement for the Swede. Hence, Liverpool were on their bike to secure Isak, and made an enquiry on Tuesday for the Magpies star, with indications that they were prepared to pay a British record fee for the striker.

Liverpool are also interested in Ekitike, and with the Monday update that Newcastle United were closing in on the Frenchman, they had to act. Playing the Isak card has enabled the Merseysiders to put the Magpies on the ropes concerning their plan, as there is a genuine chance they could miss out on Ekitike.

Newcastle United are in danger of missing out on Hugo Ekitike

Florian Plettenberg has reported that Eintracht Frankfurt rejected Newcastle United’s bid, which came after reports stating that Ekitike had yet to approve a move to the Magpies. The word is that the Bundesliga outfit want more money than the reported €80 million Newcastle presented, which could mean they are firm on their €100 million asking price as previously stated.

On Ektiike’s part, there are many more teams in the mix, including Liverpool, Chelsea and even Manchester United. The Reds, in particular, are in the market for a new striker, and they have made it clear that if they cannot sign Isak, then the move for Hugo Ekitike would be on their agenda. Hence, Newcastle United are fearful of losing out on the striker’s signature, which could be the case given the choices the Frenchman has.