The latest Newcastle United transfer news and gossip including updates on Yoane Wissa and Michail Antonio
Michail Antonio
Michail Antonio is available on a free transfer(Image: PA)
Newcastle United ended their pre-season preparations with a 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid at home.
Alexander Isak remained absent and has been training at Benton on late afternoons, long after his teammates have left the building. Isak is now believed to be fully focused on a move to Liverpool, but the Reds have yet to submit a second offer.
Meanwhile, Eddie Howe has tried to keep squad morale high ahead of the new Premier League season. The Magpies will kick off their campaign in less than a week's time, making the trip to the West Midlands to face European qualification rivals Aston Villa.
Anthony Elanga, Aaron Ramsdale, and Antonio Cordero have completed moves to Tyneside so far this summer, while a deal for Malick Thiaw is close to being finalised.
With that said, Chronicle Live has taken a look at the latest headlines from in and around St James' Park.
Wissa update
The Times claim Newcastle are set to improve their offer for transfer target Yoane Wissa to more than £30million. Despite seeing a £25m opening bid for the forward rejected last month, the club remains keen to get a deal over the line.
The report adds that Brentford have already held initial talks with Bournemouth’s Dango Ouattara as a potential replacement. Although Wissa only has one year left on his contract, the club have the option to extend it by one season, and Brentford are reportedly hoping to receive a fee in the region of £40m for his sale.
Wissa is believed to be eager to leave the Bees, and last month he flew back from the club’s pre-season camp in Portugal for crunch talks with director of football Phil Giles.
Chronicle Live says: Wissa would be a fantastic coup for Newcastle if they can finalise a deal, as his pace, versatility, and Premier League experience would add a new dimension to their attack. They are not alone in the race, however, with other clubs closely monitoring the situation, the Magpies must act swiftly and decisively to give themselves the best possible chance of securing his signature before rival interest intensifies.
Magpies 'plot' shock Antonio move
Newcastle are plotting a move to sign the former West Ham striker Michail Antonio, claims Football Fancast. The 35-year-old left the Hammers after a ten-year stint, following the expiration of his contract.
Antonio scored 83 goals and provided 42 assists in 323 appearances for West Ham across all competitions.
Chronicle Live says: Despite his vast Premier League experience, Newcastle should be focusing on younger targets. At 35, Antonio may find it difficult to replicate his previous performances, which could affect the Magpies' domestic and European campaigns. Missing out on Benjamin Sesko has been a major setback, and with Kolo Muani seemingly favouring a return to Juventus, the situation is far from ideal.
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