Then there were two! Newcastle drop out of race to sign Hugo Ekitike as Man Utd and Liverpool set to do battle for €80m French superstar striker

Eddie Howe's side were keen on adding the French striker to their attack after signing Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest for £55m ($73m) earlier this month. But the Magpies have pulled out of the race to sign the 23-year-old.

The Magpies have been monitoring Ekitike for some time and had a €75m (£64m/$86m) bid for him rejected. It led to Liverpool upping their interest in the striker, who scored 22 goals for Eintracht last season. But Newcastle have now deemed Ekitike to be too expensive and are no longer interest in signing him, according to French journalist Julien Laurens.

Frankfurt are holding out for more than €80m for Ekitike and Man United are reported to be the only club ready to rival Liverpool for his signature. The Athletic reports that the Reds are not expecting personal terms to be an issue, with Fabrice Hawkins claiming that the striker has already agreed a six-year contract. While Liverpool advance in their pursuit, United have not yet made a formal offer.

An agreement for Ekitike is reported to be 'close. Meanwhile, Newcastle are now turning their attention to signing Yoane Wissa from Brentford, according to The Athletic.