Newcastle are pushing to sign Yoane Wissaplaceholder image
Newcastle are pushing to sign Yoane Wissa | Getty Images
The latest transfer headlines, including updates from Nottingham Forest, Brentford and Newcastle United
Football fans have less than a week to wait until the start of the new Premier League seasons, and it’s fair to say that a number of clubs still have plenty of work to do on the transfer front if they are to be sufficiently equipped for the new campaign.
One of those clubs is Newcastle United, who despite qualifying for the Champions League and lifting silverware, have endured a frustrating summer both in terms of transfers and results in pre-season, with Eddie Howe’s side going five pre-season matches without a victory.
In truth, the only thing that really matters is the club’s opening day showdown with Aston Villa and the competitive matches that will follow in the new campaign. But it’s certainly fair to say that the uncertainty surrounding the future of talisman Alexander Isak has negatively affected the atmosphere around St James’ Park heading into the new campaign.
Newcastle United handed striker boost
At this stage, the Magpies only have one first team striker turning up to training in the form of the inexperienced William Osula, though they’ve tried to get their hands on numerous targets including Benjamin Sesko and Hugo Ekitike.
One star, however, has shown an eagerness to move to St James’ Park and that is 19-goal Brentford striker Yoane Wissa. The Bees had previously stated that the 28-year-old would not be for sale this summer but have since changed their stance by hinting that the DR Congo international could leave if they can get a replacement through the door. It’s understood by Football Insiderthat Brentford are closing in on a move for Bournemouth star Dango Ouattara, and it’s suspected that this deal could open the doors for Wissa to swap the Gtech Community Stadium for St James’ Park.
The 3AM verdict: Dango Ouattara has mainly been viewed as a winger throughout his time at Bournemouth but he’s proven he can step up and score goals as a centre forward. He claimed six in eight games as a striker for the Cherries last year during an injury crisis and managed nine goals and four assists over the course of the year.He has the potential to be a good player for Brentford and would ease some of the concerns around losing Wissa. Meanwhile, for Newcastle, it’d also be a signing that’d make them much more equipped for the new season. Wissa got 19 goals in the league last term, with all of his strikes crucially coming from open play. This means when discounting penalties, he scored the same number as Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland last season.
Nottingham Forest plot move for Ipswich Town ace
Nottingham Forest are reported by talkSPORT to be lining up a move for Ipswich Town left-back Leif Davis. The 25-year-old played 35 matches for the Tractor Boys during last season’s relegation, chipping in with one goal and three assists. It marked his worst season so far in an Ipswich shirt after previously winning back-to-back promotions but it’s still believed that Forest, who have Europe to contend with, see the player as a quality addition based on his 38 assists in total in an Ipswich shirt.
Alex Crook posted on X:” EXC: #NFFC are lining up a bid for #ITFC defender Leif Davis.”
The 3AM Verdict: Leif Davis entered the Premier League with plenty of hype after contributing a staggering 18 assists during Ipswich’s promotion-winning season. The left-back is blessed with exceptional crossing ability, good set-piece ability and a strong desire to get forward and help his team. His defensive abilities need a bit of work, but he’s definitely a player with the potential to play in the Premier League. For the right price he could be potentially quite a shrewd addition and is bound to be a player that Chris Wood in particular would enjoy playing with. However, Ipswich will likely be quite reluctant to sell.
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