Liverpool manager Arne Slot took centre stage to help convince Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike to reject a move to Newcastle United and St. James’ Park in favour of Anfield, according to

The Hugo Ekitike deal is dead. And, quite frankly, after what went on with the same player three years ago it should never be revisited. Once bitten, twice shy is the saying. Well Newcastle have been bitten a few times when it comes to the Frenchman.

Eddie Howe wanted Joao Pedro before Chelsea reached a £60m agreement with Brighton, with Newcastle keen on attacking reinforcements after releasing Callum Wilson. Newcastle then turned attention towards Hugo Ekitike, only for Liverpool to swoop in and shake hands with Eintracht Frankfurt on a £79m fee for the Frenchman.

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

It was previously reported early in the week that Newcastle United had seen an €80m (£69.5m) offer rejected by Eintracht Frankfurt for Hugo Ekitike. I would have been more than happy for United to have signed the 23 year old as second striker to Alexander Isak,

Latest Newcastle United transfer news and gossip with an update on the futures of Brentford forward Yoane Wissa and Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford