British media: Newcastle will not bid for Ekitic with Liverpool and will strive to retain Isaac

According to British media Chronicle Live, Newcastle's offer of £65 million for Ekitic will not increase, and Newcastle will strive to retain Isaac.

Newcastle previously regarded Frankfurt striker Ekitic as the target of signing this summer and has offered Ekitic 65 million pounds plus bonuses, which will set the most expensive signing record in Newcastle's history. But Frankfurt rejected the offer this week, and they asked Ekitic for a higher price. Ekitic made 33 appearances in the Bundesliga last season, scoring 15 goals and 8 assists. His contract contains a 86 million pound termination clause, but potential buyers such as Newcastle, Liverpool, and Manchester United are reluctant to pay the full termination fee to sign him.

Liverpool has joined Ekitic's competition now and is regarded as a favorite to sign him. Newcastle is not going to bid with Liverpool, and they have turned to other forward signing targets, such as Brentford's Visa. Newcastle will remain calm during the signing operation this summer and stick to its own quotes for the signing target, rather than rushing to buy players at higher prices with other competitors.

Newcastle knows that Liverpool is currently in the lead in Ekitic's competition, but this is also beneficial for Newcastle to retain main striker Isaac. Isaac was also Liverpool's target for signing, but if Liverpool signs Ekitic, they are unlikely to introduce Isaac at the same time, which makes Newcastle more likely to retain Isaac.

Chronicle Live pointed out that Newcastle's position on Ekitic has always been firm. They will ask for prices and offer prices to the players, but will never participate in the bidding war. Newcastle also adopted this strategy in his transfer to Joao Pedro, and Chelsea eventually signed Joao Pedro with a higher offer and a better personal contract. Next, Newcastle will continue to do this when dealing with potential targets such as Brian Mbemo.