Hugo Ekitike has risen sharply towards the top of the Real Madrid striker shortlist of late, alongside Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, reports TEAMtalk.
Ekitike has been perhaps the most important of Liverpool's summer signings, having bagged 17 goals alongside six assists this season following his £79million move from Eintracht Frankfurt.
According to TEAMtalk, Real Madrid are firmly tracking his rapid development after he hit the ground running in England.
Indeed, the Spanish giants are constantly monitoring elite talent who could fit into their plans, and it's believed that Ekitike's name has climbed sharply up their rankings given his impressive returns in recent months at Anfield.
Real are said to view the Frenchman as one of the most promising strikers in world football, and while they aren't planning an immediate move to sign him from Liverpool, it's felt his profile fits their long-term succession plan.
Ekitike joins Haaland on Real Madrid radar
The report suggests that alongside Ekitike, Man City striker Haaland is being considered by Real.
There have long been reports of the club's desire to land the Norwegian superstar, and while they landed Kylian Mbappe a couple of years ago, Haaland has remained on the radar for the Spanish giants.
Recent reports have suggested that Haaland wants to stay at City at least through next season, but there could be scope for him to move on in 2027.
That could perfectly match up with Real's plans, as the fresh report states 2027 could be a key moment for Real, as they could potentially move for a new striker then.
Whether it will be Haaland, Ekitike or another name remains to be seen, but with both men starring for their respective English big-six clubs, neither are doing themselves any harm in terms of gaining a huge move to one of the world's biggest clubs.
If either is to move on, though, given their importance to their respective clubs and both being under contract until at least 2031, huge sums would surely have to change hands.
