Hugo Ekitike's view on Liverpool role speaks volumes amid Alexander Isak transfer twist

Liverpool new boy Hugo Ekitike insists he will "do what the coach asks me to do" as he maintained his versatility is one of his key attributes amid speculation that Alexander Isak could soon be joining him at Anfield.

The Frenchman has just moved to the Reds from Frankfurt, joining for £79million after enjoying a breakthrough season with the German club. Ekitike was bought in and tipped to lead the line for Arne Slot's side as they look to retain their Premier League crown.

However the situation surrounding Isak at Newcastle looks to have changed and it could open the door for Liverpool to break the British-transfer record for the second time in one summer. The Swede has made it clear he wants to explore his options away from St James' Park.

A move to Liverpool is on his radar and that could leave Slot's new £79m signing, who was bought in to lead the line, having to move to accommodate Isak. However that appears to be something Ekitike is more than willing to do.

He told the club's website: "I mean, I do what the coach asks me to do, but yeah, I like to do everything. I can’t define myself only as a striker [who likes] to finish: I like to play, I like to be in the game, in the collective part of play [and] create also. So, I can do both – I can play alone and I like to play also with another striker and I think that’s what makes me versatile, but you know now in this football you need to adapt."

READ MORE: Luis Diaz leaves Liverpool training camp after £65.5m transfer breakthrough

READ MORE: Liverpool handed positive Alexander Isak transfer update - 'Only see him joining'

For the early part of last season Ekitike played in the Frankfurt attack with Omar Marmoush, who is now at Manchester City. It may be a case of the Frenchman either playing in tandem with Isak or being pushed out wide to allow the Swede to play centrally.

Liverpool are due to bank £65m from the sale of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich, which leaves them light of a player in attack, and now an official approach is now expected.

Newcastle have made it clear they want to keep their best players, but if Isak does push for the exit door it could force the owners into making a decision.

If Liverpool's offer approaches the £150m valuation they have for the player then the Magpies may be tempted to sell up and reinvest as they draw up a list of targets. Eddie Howe has confirmed that Isak will not be joining Newcastle on their pre-season tour amid all the speculation.

The Magpies boss said: "The club will make the right decision with all the information that it has, and ultimately to try and move the club forward in whatever way that is. Then it's up to us to make good decisions the other way and try and improve the squad as best we can. That’s what we're trying to do, regardless of Alex's situation."

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.