Newcastle Intensify Pursuit of Yoane Wissa as Brentford Hold Firm Amid Striker Search

Key Takeaways:

• Newcastle will table an improved £35 million bid for Yoane Wissa after seeing an initial £30 million offer rejected
• Brentford will block Wissa’s departure until securing a replacement centre-forward
• Wissa did not feature in Brentford’s 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest while Newcastle drew 0-0 at Aston Villa without a recognised forward

Transfer Stalemate as Brentford Delay Wissa Exit

Newcastle United’s ongoing search for a striker continues, with their focus firmly on Yoane Wissa. The Magpies plan to submit an enhanced offer of £35 million for the DR Congo international, having previously seen a £30 million approach turned down. Wissa, aged 28, has only twelve months remaining on his contract with Brentford.

Optimism had grown within the St James’ Park camp about concluding a deal in time for Wissa to potentially make his debut against Liverpool next week. Those hopes further increased following Brentford’s £37 million signing of Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth. However, Ouattara has been identified as the successor to Bryan Mbeumo, who moved to Manchester United, leaving the West London side reliant on finding another striker before approving Wissa’s transfer.

Player Movements and Transfer Complications

Brentford remain adamant that no agreement on Wissa’s exit will take place until they secure a new centre-forward. The club’s efforts in the market have yet to yield success, with their interest in Arnaud ending as the 23-year-old closes in on a move to Nottingham Forest.

Meanwhile, Wissa is reportedly eager to finalise his move to Newcastle and fulfil his ambition of competing in the Champions League. In the midst of ongoing speculation, he was omitted from the matchday squad as Brentford suffered a 3-1 loss to Nottingham Forest.

Newcastle’s Striking Woes and Recent Results

Manager Eddie Howe remains keen to secure Wissa, particularly following the absence of a recognised striker in Newcastle’s goalless draw away at Aston Villa. Alexander Isak’s refusal to play left the Magpies without their main attacking outlet at the start of the season.

So far this summer, Newcastle have been unsuccessful in attempts to recruit a forward, having missed out on Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike, and Benjamin Sesko. With talks set to resume and Brentford’s replacement search ongoing, the Tyneside club face another demanding week in their push to sign Wissa.