Newcastle United is in advanced talks to sign Leanne Kiernan, a forward from the Republic of Ireland, from Liverpool. The 27-year-old player, who spent the latter half of last season on loan at Nottingham Forest, still has over a year left on her contract with Liverpool.

As a result, Newcastle, currently competing in the second tier, will likely need to pay a transfer fee for Kiernan. She has been with Liverpool for five years and signed a contract extension until 2025. During her time at Liverpool, Kiernan has scored 23 goals in 76 appearances, notably contributing to the club's WSL 2 title win in 2022, where she was the team's top scorer with 14 goals.

Before her tenure at Liverpool, Kiernan made over 40 appearances for West Ham in the WSL, following her career start at Shelbourne. She has also represented the Republic of Ireland 38 times since her debut in 2017.

Despite her talents, Kiernan has struggled for playing time under Liverpool manager Gareth Taylor, having started just once in the WSL prior to her loan move to Forest in January. This summer, Liverpool has bolstered its attack with the signing of Vivien Endemann from Wolfsburg, further complicating Kiernan's prospects at the club.

If signed, Kiernan would enhance Newcastle's attacking options, aligning with the club's ambitions as they actively seek to compete for the WSL 2 title after making six new additions during a busy transfer window.