Real Madrid eye Liverpool’s Ekitike over Haaland as striker hunt intensifies

Madrid, Spain – Real Madrid have switched their summer-2027 focus from Erling Haaland to Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike after balking at the €200 million valuation placed on the Manchester City striker, TEAMtalk understands.

Los Blancos scouts have been impressed by the 23-year-old Frenchman’s first season in England, in which he has struck 17 goals in 42 appearances since his £69 million move from Paris. With Karim Benzema now plying his trade in Saudi Arabia, Madrid view Ekitike as the ideal long-term No. 9 and are “closely monitoring” his situation at Anfield.

Liverpool, however, are under no pressure to sell. Ekitike is tied to the club until June 2031 and has become the focal point of an attack that has struggled for consistency. ESPN’s Liverpool correspondent Beth Lindop notes that while Alexander Isak’s injury-hit campaign has thrust Ekitike into the spotlight, the Reds would “surely resist any attempts” to part with their prized forward.

The Spanish giants’ pursuit of a marquee striker comes as they weigh options beyond Haaland, whose price tag has forced the club to look elsewhere for value in a hyper-inflated market.

Conceição on Liverpool’s radar as Salah successor

Elsewhere, Liverpool have identified Juventus winger Francisco Conceição as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah, who is expected to depart when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the 23-year-old Portugal international – signed from Porto for €32 million last summer – has six goal involvements in Serie A this term. Although Juventus are reluctant sellers, a bid above €25 million could persuade the Turin club to negotiate. Concrete interest from Anfield is yet to materialize, but Conceição’s profile fits the club’s desire for youthful, direct wide talent.

United lead chase for Cresswell; City ahead for Anderson

Manchester United have moved to the front of the queue for Toulouse centre-back Charlie Cresswell. The 23-year-old England U21 international is available for €25-30 million and has previously attracted West Ham, Sunderland and Tottenham. United’s new hierarchy view Cresswell as a cost-effective solution to shore up a defence that has leaked goals this season.

Across the city, Manchester City are leading rivals United in the race for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson. The 25-year-old is Pep Guardiola’s top midfield target, though a potential England World Cup surge could push his price tag toward £100 million. United remain in dialogue with Anderson’s representatives despite City’s advantage.

Barcelona line up Schjelderup if Rashford deal collapses

Barcelona will turn to Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup should a permanent move for Marcus Rashford fail to materialize, Record reports. The 20-year-old Norwegian, who opened his senior international account last week, carries a €100 million release clause and is expected to leave the Estádio da Luz amid heavy European interest.

Other quick hits

• Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali could be allowed to leave, with Manchester United leading the chase. • Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes, valued at £40 million, is on United’s radar should the Midlands side face relegation. • Arsenal and Manchester City are monitoring Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento’s contract impasse. • Bayern Munich have ruled out a move for Phil Foden due to cost, while Raphaël Guerreiro looks set for Benfica after announcing his Bayern exit. • Real Madrid retain hope of signing Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck after he denied agreeing a new deal. • Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella has refused to rule out a future return to Barcelona. • Juventus defender Gleison Bremer’s €54 million clause becomes active on July 1, alerting Europe’s elite.

With the summer window still months away, the chessboard is already being set for what promises to be a high-stakes transfer season across Europe.