Liverpool were reportedly among a host of clubs ‘watching’ Stade Reims striker Hugo Ekitike in Ligue 1 action recently.
The 19-year-old has attracted plenty of interest from the Premier League of late and Newcastle United were believed to be close to agreeing a deadline day swoop.
Having failed to do so, the Reds, Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea are also said to have sent scouts to view the teenager.
That’s according to a report from 90min, as cited by ThinkLFCTV on Twitter.
A number of the Premier League's top clubs, along with members of Europe's elite, have watched Reims striker Hugo Ekitike. Newcastle United failed to sign the the 19-year-old Frenchman in January. (90min)#Reims #NUFC#LFC #YNWA #ThinkLFCTV
— ThinkLFCTV (@ThinkLFCTV) February 8, 2022
The report claims that representatives of the Anfield club – as well as a host of European admirers – were there to ‘cast an eye’ on the twice-capped France Under 20 starlet.
This season Ekitike has scored 10 times and registered four assists in 22 appearances across all competitions – including a goal with scouts from all around the continent in attendance.
READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT
Valued at £5.4million and under contract until 2024 (Transfermarkt), the fee for signing the starlet likened to Kylian Mbappe would be a drop in the ocean compared to the real thing.
Still very early in his development, Ekitike already possesses an abundance of impressive attributes that would endear Jurgen Klopp to the young Frenchman.
Operating predominantly as a centre-forward, Liverpool may be considering their options should the end be nigh for Roberto Firmino on Merseyside.