Newcastle are expected to complete a move for Brentford forward Yoane Wissa, MailOnline journalist Craig Hope has revealed.
The Magpies are anticipated to beat competition from fellow Premier League clubs in the race for the 28-year-old Congolese international, with Hope now claiming the 'deal will happen'.
Wissa is believed to be keen on a move to Tyneside and has communicated his desire to join to those at Newcastle, although Brentford are likely to secure a replacement first before they can sell.
The Bees are said to be looking at Bournemouth ace Dango Ouattara, and should they make progress with any attacking target, Wissa’s move to Newcastle could gather pace.
Wissa scored 19 goals and provided five assists in 35 Premier League appearances last season and is viewed as an alternative to Manchester United-bound Benjamin Sesko.
Newcastle Expected to Sign Yoane Wissa
Yoane Wissa in action for Brentford
According to Hope, a package of around £35m should be enough for Newcastle to secure Wissa before the transfer deadline, although Brentford are likely to push for a bigger deal.
However, the Bees are not in a strong negotiating position as Wissa’s contract expires in less than 12 months, and the player has set his sights on a summer departure.
Wissa joined Brentford in 2021 from French side Lorient and has made a total of 149 appearances for the Bees to date, scoring 49 goals and providing 13 assists.
The ‘extraordinary’ 28-year-old is now set to become part of Brentford’s ongoing exodus, with head coach Thomas Frank and first-team stars Bryan Mbeumo, Christian Norgaard and Mark Flekken already out the door.
Newcastle are eyeing several late reinforcements to Eddie Howe’s squad, with a move also being considered for Aston Villa captain John McGinn.
Howe is believed to be on the lookout for a new midfielder following Sean Longstaff’s departure to Leeds and has reportedly identified the Scotland international as a potential option.
McGinn’s teammate Jacob Ramsey is also believed to be a player of interest, while Coventry City’s Jack Rudoni is also being considered.
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