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.

Newcastle's Sweden international is the complete centre-forward and would make a fine squad even more formidable

Liverpool are eyeing Hugo Ekitike as an alternative up front should they fail in pursuit of Isak and the Eintracht Frankfurt forward is said to have agreed personal terms with the Merseyside giants.