Revealed: How Man Utd failed in last-minute bid to hijack Liverpool's stunning £79m Hugo Ekitike transfer

Premier League champions at Anfield have moved to further bolster their attacking ranks by bringing in more firepower. Having been heavily linked with Newcastle frontman Alexander Isak, they eventually turned their attention to Ekitike.

A big-money deal with Eintracht Frankfurt has been agreed, with the 23-year-old in the process of finalising his move to Merseyside. If United had their way, Ekitike would be heading for Manchester.

According to The i Paper, the Red Devils made a late play for Ekitike before seeing their arch-rivals wrap up a deal. It is claimed that Ekitike was the “number one centre-forward choice” at Old Trafford.

Unfortunately for United, they have been unable to compete with Liverpool on the field of late. With that in mind, Ekitike “told them he has no interest” in taking on a new challenge at the so-called Theatre of Dreams.

Newcastle were also credited with interest in Ekitike, amid the questions of Isak’s future at St James’ Park, but were also “late to the party” and Liverpool were ultimately able to get another body on board with the minimum of fuss.