Liverpool have held talks over a potential £84million transfer for a Bundesliga star who has also been linked with Chelsea.
The Reds are keen to bolster options up front after running away with the Premier League in Arne Slot's first season at Anfield.
While they were indebted to the brilliance of Mohamed Salah, who picked up the Premier League Golden Boot with 29 goals, they are yet to nail down a starter at centre-forward.
Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota all featured there at various points in 2024-25, but none of them were consistent enough to make the place their own.
Now, they are seeking to sign a striker who is currently plying his trade in the Bundesliga, but is also coveted by Chelsea.
A possible move to England is in line for the player in question, who scored 22 goals in 45 games for his side this season.
Hugo Ekitike is understood to be valued at around €100million (£84million) by his current club Eintracht Frankfurt, who signed him from PSG for £14million in 2024.
German football journalist Florian Plettenberg reported for Sky Sports that Liverpool are now said to be 'seriously in the race' for the forward.
He added that talks have already taken place, with Slot and chief executive Michael Edwards both said to be big admirers of Ekitike.
However, they are still thought to face stiff competition from the Blues for his signature, with Frankfurt demanding the near three-figure sum.
Enzo Maresca's side may opt to look elsewhere, with Ipswich’s Liam Delap and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko are also on Chelsea's striker shortlist.
The Blues now holding an advantage over rivals such as Manchester United by being able to offer Champions League football to those they are targeting.
Talks over targets are set to accelerate now that the domestic season has finished.
While they have qualified for Europe’s elite competition, there remains a desire inside of Chelsea to stand by their approach in buying and then nurturing the best young talent in the world.
Ekitike finished the 2024-25 campaign as Frankfurt’s top scorer in the Bundesliga, tied with Omar Marmoush, who left in January to join Manchester City.
Chelsea will have the opportunity to make signings before the Club World Cup after FIFA introduced a special transfer window, which will be open between June 1 and 10.
Ideally, the Blues would like to conduct business in that period, with Enzo Maresca keen to know the squad he is working with in time for the lead-up to the next season.