Newcastle alerted to Liverpool striker's availability

Ings was a target for Newcastle United in January, but the striker opted to stay at Anfield.

However, Ings is set to leave Liverpool this summer in search of first-team football, according to the Liverpool Echo.

Ings' career at the club has been disrupted by two serious knee injuries, and the 25-year-old, signed from Burnley in 2015, is keen to make up for lost time.

Jurgen Klopp had wanted the England international to stay at Anfield, but Ings is determined to resurrect his career elsewhere, and Burnley are 7/2 favourites to re-sign him.

United are 5/1 to sign Ings, though Newcastle manager Rafa must first agree a transfer budget with owner Mike Ashley.

Benitez – who was at St James's Park yesterday for talks with club officials – wants to sign another striker this summer.

Aleksandar Mitrovic, on World Cup duty with Serbia, will be sold, with newly-promoted Fulham keen to sign him after his successful half-season loan last term.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish, linked with United, has decided to quit League One club Aston Villa, according to the Daily Mirror.

Tottenham Hotspur are expected to bid for the 22-year-old.