Newcastle United big contenders to land 14-goal lethal striker as ex-Man Utd star set for shock move

Newcastle United and Liverpool are reportedly preparing to make a move for RB Leipzig striker Lois Openda.

The 14-times capped Belgium international has taken well to life in the Bundesliga after moving to Leipzig from Ligue 1 club Metz in a £32m deal during the summer transfer window. After scoring in his side’s 2-1 win against Heidenheim on Saturday, Openda has now scored 14 goals in just 21 appearances this season and only Harry Kane and Sehrou Guirassy have score more in German football’s top tier.

His performance in the win earned him praise from Leipzig manager Marco Rose as he said: "I think he has absolute added value and that's important for me to emphasise. The boy gives us so much, he's so uncomfortable to defend against. He makes so many runs, is so strong with his low center of gravity, runs away from opponents.”

However, how long Rose can call upon Openda’s services remains to be seen after journalist Sacha Tavolieri revealed Newcastle and Liverpool have ‘positioned themselves’ to move for the striker - although a January deal seems unlikely and a summer move seems the more likely outcome.

The 3AM Verdict: Whether Liverpool require a forward remains open to interpretation with the likes of Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah all currently part of Jurgen Klopp’s squad.  However, speculation over Salah’s future could prompt a move for a forward and Openda has shown all of the qualities to suggest he could succeed at Anfield. Newcastle are also in the market for a front-man with Callum Wilson succumbing to an injury and Alexander Isak currently carrying the weight at the top end of the pitch for Eddie Howe’s men. Openda has been watched by Magpies recruitment staff.

Former Red Devils favourite could secure Premier League return

Former Manchester United star David De Gea is reportedly being lined up for a shock return to the Premier League. The Spanish international goalkeeper enjoyed a productive 12-year stay at Old Trafford as he helped the Red Devils lift a Premier League title, two EFL Cup wins and solitary triumphs in the Europa League and FA Cup.

However, after failing to successfully negotiate a new deal, De Gea departed the 13-time Premier League champions during the summer and is yet to find a new club, despite being linked with a number of clubs in Saudi Arabia and La Liga. But it is Newcastle that are said to be considering a surprise move for De Gea after regular number one Nick Pope suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder that could rule him out of action for up to five months.

Despite the presence of Martin Dubravka and Loris Karius in Eddie Howe’s squad, the Daily Mail have revealed the Magpies are hoping to persuade De Gea to lower his demands to fit in with their wage structure after he earned a reported £375,000-a-week during his final year at Old Trafford.

The 3AM Verdict: There is no doubt De Gea would provide a high quality replacement for Pope, even if it was just a short-term move.  However, it would take a severe drop in the wages he earned at Manchester United for this move to come off and Howe is also likely to consider giving Dubravka, who has been a reliable Premier League keeper during his time at Newcastle, an extended run in the team.

Bees keen to tie down forward

Brentford are believed to be keen to reward Bryan Mbeumo with a new contract after the forward hit form in the first four months of the Premier League season.

With lead striker Ivan Toney out of action until the new year due to a ban for breaching betting regulations, Mbeumo has come to the fore with six goals and four assists in 16 appearances across all competitions.

TEAMtalk have now reported the Bees hierarchy are ready to ‘tie him down’ with an improved deal as speculation over Toney’s long-term future increases.  The England striker has been linked with a move to Manchester United and Arsenal in recent months and that has brought a new deal for Mbeumo to the top of the agenda.

The 3AM Verdict: Regardless of Toney’s next step, whether it be remaining at Brentford player or heading elsewhere, the Bees should reward Mbeumo for the impressive form that has kept them in touch with the top half of the Premier League table.