It looks like Liverpool might SIGN Hugo Ekitike

Liverpool could be about to make a massive statement signing. It looks like they really might sign Hugo Ekitiké.

Liverpool are on the brink of signing Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. That much is now clear.

READ MORE: Liverpool wonderkid set for GOLDEN pre-season chance

The Reds have agreed, at least verbally, to spend €150m on Wirtz with add-ons included. An initial fee of around €117m is guaranteed - we'll see whether the playmaker triggers all the bonus payments.

Wirtz would be the first time Liverpool have spent over €100m on a player. Their current record signing if Virgil van Dijk, brought in for just shy of that amount at £75m.

It's simply not a market the Reds typically get involved in. They're only after signings that make sense for them and few players in that price bracket actually choose Liverpool.

Wirtz has, however, and it sets up a truly extraordinary summer at Anfield. Because this might not be their only €100m transfer.

Sam McGuire: Trent sold his soul and lost his identity

Hugo Ekitiké to Liverpool

The stars appear to be aligning for Ekitiké to join Liverpool. The Reds have been linked with the Frenchman for months now, especially after it became clear that Alexander Isak was near-impossible to pry away from Newcastle United.

But there's always been competition, while the Reds were in no position to sign Ekitiké with Wirtz taking up their attention. As Florian Plettenberg makes clear, they'd need to sell players - like Darwin Núñez - in order to fund the Eintracht Frankfurt striker.

Though, Plettenberg also makes clear that Liverpool are now confident in the race for Ekitiké. It appears that Núñez will leave shortly, with Napoli supposedly in talks for the Uruguayan (according to La Repubblica).

On top of that, Chelsea, seen as a chief rival for Ekitiké, have turned their attention elsewhere. Christian Falk reports that they've entered talks over Stuttgart forward Nick Woltemade.

Given they've already signed Liam Delap this summer, it appears Woltemade is their new go-to. Certainly, entering talks for the 23-year-old suggests the move for Ekitiké isn't on.

And that would then point to Liverpool being in pole position. Now, there's still a ways to go here but Ekitiké is said to be keen on the move and the Reds would have the money to meet the €100m asking price if Núñez departs.

READ MORE: Liverpool closing in on DREAM forward

It's really starting to look like Liverpool might have him in their hands.