Danny Ings will meet with Newcastle representatives this week to discuss a move to St James’ Park, but the Magpies face stiff competition from several Premier League clubs for his signature.
The 22-year-old will be available as a free agent when his contract expires at the end of the month but, having been offered a contract extension at Turf Moor, Burnley will be entitled to a compensation fee from his next employers – somewhere in the region of £4million.
Newcastle were hoping the lure of first-team football would be enough to tempt Ings to Tyneside, but they now face missing out on the striker due to Liverpool’s interest. Manchester United and Tottenham also hold an interest in Ings, but are expected to pursue higher priority targets first, allowing Liverpool to steal a march on the 22-year-old.
The Reds are so confident of securing Ings’ signature that they have already penciled in July 1st as the date they wish to unveil him, according to Liverpool Echo.
With Newcastle expected to miss out on Danny Ings and unwilling to match Aleksandar Mitrovic’s demands, Lee Charnley is expected to step up his efforts in signing Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin, who could be available for as little as £10million this summer.
The 25-year-old netted 18 times in 35 appearances last season and would be a major coup for the Magpies. His arrival would take some of the weight off Papiss Cisse’s shoulders, who contributed to 28% of his team’s goals last season, despite being suspended for a lengthy spell.
