TBR Football can reveal the latest on Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Brentford forward Yoane Wissa, who is also wanted by Newcastle United.
Thomas Frank wants to add another attacker to his squad this month and has identified the Brentford striker as a target.
The Danish head coach has so far added Joao Palhinha, Mohammed Kudus and Kota Takai to his squad this summer and is eager to add a couple more.
But in the case of Wissa, Tottenham Hotspur will face strong competition from Newcastle United for his signature, with the Tyneside club leading the race.
Yoane Wissa of Brentford celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Thomas Frank requested Yoane Wissa signing, but Tottenham unlikely to do deal
Graeme Bailey, Chief Correspondent at TBR Football, has been told that Thomas Frank requested the signing of Yoane Wissa, but Tottenham are unlikely to do a deal at this stage.
Brentford want £50m for Wissa, which is a lot of money for a player who turns 29 years old at the start of September.
The striker also has just one year remaining on his contract at the Gtech Community Stadium, meaning the Bees face a tough decision.
Bailey told TBR Football: “Spurs did open talks with Yoane Wissa when Frank first came in. That was a player Frank specifically identified. But it looks like Wissa’s nailed on for Newcastle now.
“Frank made it clear from day one that he told Wissa exactly how he wanted to use him, centrally.
“I think Frank also understands the reality. Do you really pay £40 million for a 29-year-old with one year left on his deal? Tottenham are never going to do that. Newcastle look like they will, but there are other reasons behind that move.”
Newcastle want to replace Callum Wilson, who joined West Ham on a free transfer, and view Wissa as the ideal candidate.
Wissa has looked to push through a move to Newcastle, and St James’ Park now looks his most likely destination this summer.
“Wissa is basically the Callum Wilson replacement, that’s what this is really about. It’s not anything to do with Frank’s arrival at Spurs,” added Bailey.
TBR Football understands that Randal Kolo Muani is another target for Tottenham, with the Lilywhites waiting in the wings in case his move to Juventus falls apart.
Yoane Wissa’s record playing under Thomas Frank
Frank did an excellent job with Wissa during the three seasons the pair worked together as he netted 49 goals in 149 appearances.
The 51-year-old transformed the Congolese attacker from a winger into a striker, a move which kick-started his career.
Apps Goals Assists
149 49 13
Yoanne Wissa’s record under Thomas Frank (Transfermarkt)
19 Premier League goals last season indicates that Wissa is now ready to make the step up to a club playing European football.