Liverpool have made an offer of €80 million (£69 million) plus add-ons for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. Sky Sports News understands the total package in this offer could rise to €90 million, which is around £78 million, but talks continue over the structure of the add-ons.

Howe was also clear about the player’s value to the team. “He is absolutely central to what we’re trying to do. He’s irreplaceable in many ways and we are desperate to keep him,” he said.

Newcastle CEO Darren Eales made the club’s stance clear earlier this year: “They’re all under long-term contracts. We have no intention at all of those players being moved on. We’re not under the gun...