HUGO EKITIKE aimed a cheeky gesture at the Newcastle support after receiving stick over his summer transfer saga.

wanted the striker at St James’ Park before his move from Eintracht Frankfurt to Anfield.

Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool gestures to Newcastle fans, holding up three fingers and a thumb.Hugo Ekitike aims cheeky gesture at Newcastle fansCredit: Arena 1 Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike celebrating after scoring a goal during a football match.Hugo Ekitike holds his hand to his ear after netting for Liverpool against NewcastleCredit: AFP

It’s a transfer that could reach £79million – with £69m paid up front with the rest in add-ons.

The Toon had a £70m offer of their own booted out and after then selling , they splashed out to bring in Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa.

During the Premier League encounter, Ekitike was given stick over the summer pursuit by the travelling support – but he would have the last laugh.

He grabbed a quick-fire brace in the first-half to turn the game on its head after had fired the away side in front.

Florian Wirtz – another mega money signing for Liverpool – grabbed the third and when Ekitike was replaced by Curtis Jones in the 84th minute he made sure to give a little back to the fans.

As he walked off he could be seen taunting the Toon Army by showing a

There was still time for the champions to rub further salt into the wounds when

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard was part of the TNT Sports pundit team and he gave his reaction to the cheeky taunt.

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He said: “It is just a bit of banter.

“The players take enough stick from the stands.

“This is him just rubbing it in a bit.”

It was a welcomed three points for Arne Slot’s men who jumped above into fifth spot ahead of the Red Devils’ game with Fulham.

Chelsea occupy fourth spot after their comeback win over West Ham, with the defending champions just one point behind the Blues.

In terms of league leaders Arsenal, it is a 14 point difference.