Talks between the two clubs have progressed rapidly, with Liverpool now believed to have reached a verbal agreement with the 23-year-old forward. A fee in excess of 70 million is on the table - one that could beat the offer Newcastle United previously had turned down.
Ekitike had a standout campaign with Frankfurt last season, scoring 15 goals in 31 starts. Those numbers haven't gone unnoticed, and with Liverpool keen to bring in a natural central striker before the window shuts, the Frenchman has shot to the top of their list.
This move comes after Liverpool hit a dead end in their pursuit of Alexander Isak. The Reds had shown serious interest in the Newcastle striker, but the Magpies have made it clear: Isak isn't going anywhere. Valued north of 150 million, the Swede has been labelled untouchable this summer.
With that door firmly shut, Liverpool have wasted no time in pivoting - and Ekitike seems the perfect alternative. He's young, mobile, and sharp in front of goal, ticking the boxes for a Klopp-style forward. Reports suggest the club hopes to get the deal signed off before the weekend.
Newcastle, meanwhile, have turned their attention elsewhere. After losing ground in the Ekitike race, they're expected to move for Brentford's Yoane Wissa in the coming hours to bolster their attacking options.
Liverpool's transfer business this summer has already raised eyebrows. They smashed the British transfer record to bring in midfielder Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for 116 million. That deal followed the arrivals of full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, signed for 40 million and 30 million respectively.
Adding Ekitike to that list would mark the finishing touch on what's been an aggressive and forward-looking window for the Reds. With questions still swirling around Darwin Nez's consistency and changes underway across the front line, the Frenchman could bring fresh energy and competition to the number nine role.
The window's winding down, but Liverpool seem determined to finish strong. And if Ekitike lands at Anfield in the coming days, it could be the signing that adds just the right edge to their title defence.