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 of late and currently sit top of the tree, five points clear of Manchester City and nine clear of fellow challengers Arsenal after just 11 matches.

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

However, the Magpies have struggled for goals this season, only scoring 13 in the league so far, and Howe has his eyes set on securing a sharp-shooter to add to his attacking cavalry.

The Newcastle boss is an admirer of Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo who has been lighting up the top flight for Thomas Frank's side of late, scoring Premier League eight goals so far this campaign.

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

Mbeumo has the same amount of league goals as the Reds' most prolific star, Mohamed Salah, while the Cameroonian winger has netted more times than in-form Luis Diaz.

With Salah's contract set to expire at the end of the season, Mbeumo could potentially prove a sharp bit of business 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's as he is able to play in any position across the front three.

However, the Merseyside club's interest in Mbeumo may prove to be wasted with Newcastle looking to bring him in during January.

It is believed that the winger is Howe's number one target and he wants to bring him in as soon as possible to help bolster the Magpies attack.

Reports suggest that they would be willing to throw injury-prone striker Callum Wilson - who is yet to make an appearance this season - in a potential deal for the £50million-rated Brentford star.

The move could prove tricky, though, with Frank set on keeping his star man until the end of the campaign as they make a push to break into the top half of the table.