Newcastle are close to losing the race for Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool but Eddie Howe's side have already got a backup plan, a player proven in the Premier League

Newcastle's hopes of signing Brentford striker Yoane Wissa have been handed a major boost after the DR Congo international told the Bees that he wants to leave this summer

Latest Newcastle United transfer news and gossip as Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike is linked with a move to Anfield

Can they afford him? What would the deal mean for Isak? Our reporters dissect the news Newcastle are in talks to sign the French forward

Liverpool are said to have reacted to Newcastle shutting the door on Isak talks by launching a bid for Ekitike, and Fabrizio Romano reports on Thursday morning that they are now ahead of the Magpies in the race to sign the French forward. The Reds expect to sign Ekitike if all hopes of an Isak deal end.

Newcastle have been in talks with Eintracht Frankfurt to sign Ekitike for a few days now, and they are really keen to land him. Liverpool, who made an approach for Alexander Isak, have also contacted the German club to be informed of the Ekitike situation.

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

Newcastle are expected to accelerate their interest in Brentford striker Yoane Wissa in the next 24 hours after withdrawing from their pursuit of Hugo Ekitike.