Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal have joined the race to sign French forward of Cameroonian descent Hugo Ekitiké.
It is understood that the club is preparing a stunning €100 million bid in a bid to lure the talented forward from Eintracht Frankfurt.
However, the player appears focused on securing a move to the English Premier League.
Ekitiké, who has attracted strong interest from both Newcastle United and Liverpool, is edging closer to a switch to England.
According to transfer insider David Ornstein, Liverpool have made contact with Eintracht Frankfurt and are exploring the possibility of adding the 23-year-old to their attacking options, alongside long-term target Alexander Isak.
Newcastle are currently leading the Premier League chase after submitting an initial €80 million bid, which Frankfurt turned down.
The Magpies are expected to return with an improved €100 million offer in the coming days as they push to seal the deal swiftly.
Al Hilal have matched that valuation, but Ekitiké reportedly has no interest in a move to the Saudi Pro League at this stage in his career. Meanwhile, Chelsea and Arsenal have withdrawn from the race, narrowing the field to just Liverpool and Newcastle.
With the interest high in the forward, Frankfurt are insisting on the €100 million fee.
