Liverpool are embroiled in a high-stakes transfer battle to ensure they sign a top striker this summer.

The Reds have looked in need of a more prolific number nine for a little while, with this year’s transfer window seen as the ideal opportunity to bring one in.

Alexander Isak had long been thought of as the dream target for Liverpool, and it was little surprise to see the Reds firm up interest in the Newcastle United star on Tuesday.

But Isak will not be easy to get, meaning Liverpool are also looking at Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt. Newcastle’s desire to bring Ekitike to St James’ Park only makes the saga all the more interesting.

In the meantime, Liverpool have reportedly been eyeing another addition at centre-forward, this time for the academy.

However, in a disappointing update late on Wednesday night, the Reds pulled out of talks to add a promising young hit-man to the ranks.

Liverpool end talks over Will Wright

The Liverpool academy have been excellent at procuring talent from across Britain over recent years.

With former Wales boss Rob Page now at the helm of the U21s, there are no doubt more exciting days ahead as well.

But according to journalist Theo Squires, young Salford City striker Will Wright is not going to become Liverpool’s latest coup in the market.

“LFC have ended their interest in Will Wright,” Squires posted to X late on Wednesday evening.

“The Reds were in talks with Salford City over a possible deal, but have now walked away from negotiations.”

As recently as 12.30pm the same day Squires had reported that talks were ongoing between Liverpool and Salford over Wright, who scored more than 50 goals in academy football last season.

Liverpool set to hire U18s coach

Although Liverpool supporters will be disappointed in losing out on Wright, there was some good news for academy fans to get stuck into on Wednesday.

As The Athletic reported, the Reds are closing in on hiring Manchester United academy coach Simon Wiles as their new U18s coach.

Ironically, Wiles is a former Salford City employee himself, but joined United last year in an academy role.

The former Blackpool midfielder will reportedly join Anthony Ryan, who has been promoted from Liverpool’s U15s and will serve as Wiles’ assistant at U18 level.

Following Page’s hiring to replace Barry Lewtas, Wiles’ arrival to step into the shoes of Marc Bridge-Wilkinson should complete the rebuild in Liverpool’s youth teams this summer. Unfortunately, though, Wright will not be a part of it.