Liverpool will reportedly enter a summer transfer battle with Newcastle United for one of the Premier League’s current top scorers.
Arne Slot’s Reds have been flying of late and currently sit at the top of the tree, five points ahead of Manchester City and nine ahead of rivals Arsenal after just 11 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 off the top four after a recent return to winning form.
However, the Magpies have struggled for goals this season, scoring just 13 in the league so far, and Howe has his sights set on landing a sharpshooter to add to his attacking cavalry.
The Newcastle boss is an admirer of Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who has been lighting up Thomas Frank’s side’s top flight of late, scoring eight Premier League goals so far this campaign.
But they will face competition from Liverpool, according to the Sun, with Arne Slot keen to boost their already lethal forward line.
Liverpool reportedly want to battle Newcastle United to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford
Arne Slot was apparently impressed by Mbeumo’s performances in the Premier League
Mbeumo has scored the same goals as Mohamed Salah this season and could replace the ‘King of Egypt’ if he leaves
Mbeumo has the same number of league goals as the Reds’ most prolific star Mohamed Salah, while the Cameroonian winger has scored more times than the in-form Luis Diaz.
With Salah’s contract expiring at the end of the season, Mbeumo could prove to be a good deal for Slot, who was reportedly 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 among the front three.
However, the Merseyside club’s interest in Mbeumo may prove in vain as Newcastle look to sign him during January.
The winger is believed to be Howe’s number one target and he wants to bring him in as soon as possible to help bolster the Magpies’ attack.
Reports suggest they would be willing to include injury-prone striker Callum Wilson, who is yet to feature this season, in a potential deal for the Brentford star worth £50million.
However, the move could prove difficult as Frank is determined to keep his star man until the end of the campaign as they attempt to reach the top half of the table.