Man United set to battle Liverpool for surprise Premier League star after devastating transfer blow

Manchester United and Liverpool are both 'on alert' after a Premier League star was told he could leave this summer.

There is now less than four weeks until the summer transfer window officially closes and it's safe to say that neither United or Liverpool fans are happy with their club's business so far.

In a midfield overhaul, United signed both Aston Villa star Youri Tielemans and Chelsea's Andrey Santos for a combined £85million, with former Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow also joining on a free transfer.

Meanwhile Liverpool have remained quiet in the window ever since triggering the €40million (£34.6m) release clause of Osasuna winger Victor Munoz on June 18.

However, it appears that the transfer situation for both clubs could be about to change, as it's been reported that they are both monitoring the ongoing situation surrounding Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade.

The Germany international joined Newcastle only last summer, as one of two players signed to replace Alexander Isak following his £125 million move to Anfield, but has struggled to find his feet so far.

In light of this, a report from CaughtOffside has claimed that the 24-year-old has been told that he can leave the Newcastle on loan this summer.

Several clubs across Europe are believed to have shown interest in signing Woltemade, including Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Aston Villa.

And now, it appears that Liverpool and Manchester United have joined the race amid reports that both clubs are actively looking to bolster their forward options in the final weeks of the transfer window.

According to a source, Newcastle would prefer a permanent sale for around £56m, a loss of £14m from their club record £69m deal last summer, but understand that a a loan with an option to buy is currently more likely.

The report adds that, as expected, Woltemade wouldn't be seen as a first choice target or a starter for United or Liverpool, but the two Premier League giants will continue to monitor his situation and could make a move later in the window.

Of the two, United appear to be the most likely to formalise a move as they look to replace Joshua Zirkzee and provide backup for starting striker Benjamin Sesko.

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David Ornstein provides major update on Man United's top target

The news comes following after a brutal report from transfer expert David Ornstein revealed that United's chances of signing another Newcastle star were now likely over.

Throughout the window, United have strongly been linked with a move for Lewis Hall, but it now appears that, having already lost many key players this summer, the Magpies aren't willing to entertain any offer for the left-back.

“I don't expect [him] to be coming to Manchester United," Ornstein said on The Athletic podcast.

"There's clearly some interest, but Newcastle will be determined to keep a hold of him, probably even more so following the departure of Eddie Howe, and let's see that they would even like to time down to a new contract”

It remains to be seen if United will now turn their interest to other defenders ahead of the transfer window closing on September 1.