Newcastle United have seen a £50m offer for Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen turned down, with the Molineux club insisting the Norway international is not for sale.
Eddie Howe’s side are desperate to bolster their attacking options following Callum Wilson’s exit last month and Alexander Isak’s ongoing absence, but their search for a new centre-forward has so far proved unsuccessful.
The Magpies previously had two bids rejected by Brentford for Yoane Wissa, while Wolves are holding firm on Strand Larsen, who only joined permanently for £23m earlier this summer after a prolific loan spell that yielded 14 goals.
Wolves manager Vitor Pereira underlined the striker’s importance, especially after losing Brazil forward Matheus Cunha to Manchester United.
“He is a very important player for us,” Pereira said. “I haven’t spoken with him about it. He is committed to the team. I watch him in training and he is committed. He likes to win and he is a fighter.”
Newcastle’s failure to land a striker highlights the challenges they face late in the transfer window, which closes on September 1.
Hugo Ekitike has joined Liverpool, Benjamin Sesko opted for Manchester United, and Joao Pedro left Brighton for Chelsea, leaving the Magpies with limited options.
Anthony Gordon is expected to lead the line against champions Liverpool on Monday night, with Isak training separately after expressing his desire to join Liverpool, a move Newcastle insist will only happen if their conditions are met.
With just days remaining, Newcastle face a race against time to secure reinforcements up front, having already missed out on multiple targets.