The Newcastle United transfer agenda has had more twists and turns than Alton Towers this last week, and yet here we are with nothing much changed. Hugo Ekitike looks destined for Liverpool, while talks over extending Alexander Isak's contract continue.

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.

The 6ft 3in forward is one of the quickest players in the Bundesliga, surprisingly effective in the air and could work in tandem with Isak

Confidence is growing that Newcastle can quickly wrap up the signing of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt after sending club officials to Germany to finalise the transfer, and with David Ornstein revealing how his arrival will impact the Magpies’ side,