Hugo Ekitike was dropped from Eintracht Frankfurt's starting XI for Saturday's pre-season friendly against FSV Frankfurt amid increasing speculation about a possible summer move to Liverpool.
As reported by Mail Sport earlier this week, Arne Slot's Reds are readying a bid to sign the France Under-21 international, who is said to be keen on a move to Anfield.
Newcastle United recently had a £70million bid rejected for Ekitike as it fell £16m short of his release clause.
Liverpool have also been linked with interest in Alexander Isak, Yoane Wissa, Ollie Watkins and Victor Osimhen this summer, but Ekitike, 22, now appears to be the most likely candidate to bolster the Premier League champions' attack.
Ekitike scored 22 goals in 48 games for Frankfurt last season and now looks set to move away from the Bundesliga outfit.
After Ekitike was left on the bench for Saturday's friendly, French journalist Fabrice Hawkins declared via X (formerly Twitter) that the striker was 'getting closer to Liverpool' and that he had already agreed personal terms on a contract until 2031.
Hawkins added that Ekitike would stay on the bench because negotiations were ongoing, with a 'final green light expected soon'.
More to follow.
Widbiltz
16
Another EPL trophy loading for Liverpool
suaaekpu
13
Ekitike need to join Liverpool soon, so that he'll get to know his teammates and get in the groove. Liverpool will score goals and that's bad news to our opponent.
liulnortz
7
You're welcome Ekitike