Liverpool preparing to ‘battle it out with Newcastle to sign £50m EPL forward’

Liverpool are reportedly set to enter a summer transfer battle with Newcastle United over one of the Premier League's current top scorers.

Arne Slot's Reds have been flying well of late and are currently top of the table, five points clear of Manchester City and nine points clear of fellow challengers Arsenal after just eleven games.

Meanwhile, the Geordies find themselves in the middle of a battle for Europe after missing out on the UEFA competition last season. Eddie Howe's side are just one point behind the top four after a recent return to winning form.

However, the Magpies have struggled to score goals this season, scoring just 13 times in the league so far, and Howe has set his sights on securing a marksman to complement his attacking cavalry.

The Newcastle boss is an admirer of Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo, who has taken the top spot ahead of Thomas Frank in recent times and has scored eight goals in the Premier League so far this season.

But according to the Sun, they will face competition from Liverpool, with Arne Slot keen to add to his already lethal forward line.

Mbeumo has scored as many league goals as the Reds' most prolific star, Mohamed Salah, while the Cameroon winger has scored more times than the in-form Luis Diaz.

With Salah's contract set to expire at the end of the season, Mbeumo could potentially be a big signing for Slot, who has reportedly been impressed with his performances for the Bees.

The 25-year-old's versatility is reminiscent of Liverpool legend Sadio Mane, as he can play in any position in the front three.

However, the Merseyside club's interest in Mbeumo could prove in vain with Newcastle looking to land him in January.

The winger is believed to be Howe's main target and he wants to bring him in as soon as possible to strengthen the Magpies' attack.

Reports suggest they could be willing to land injury-prone striker Callum Wilson – who is yet to feature this season – in a potential deal for the £50million-rated Brentford star.

The move could prove tricky, however, with Frank looking to retain their star man until the end of the campaign as they bid to break into the top half of the table.