Liverpool and Arsenal are battling for Newcastle United striker Demba Ba.
The People says a £10million bid is needed to allow the Premier League's in-form striker to speak to other clubs.
Arsenal and Liverpool are thinking seriously about trying to tempt Ba away from St James' Park.
Arsenal were interested even before news of the release fee came to light, and Liverpool are keen, too, but with Senegal's Ba off to the Africa Cup of Nations, they are believed to be willing to wait until the end of the season if nobody else bids this month.