Newcastle United are hopeful of securing the signature of Brentford forward Yoane Wissa, but must now deal with a surprise late approach from Liverpool.
The Magpies are keen to get more players through the door at St James’ Park this summer, with Eddie Howe making it clear that he is still not happy with the way their squad currently is.
Newcastle United are hopeful of securing a new central defender, striker and midfielder before the transfer window shuts in early September. Malick Thiaw is set to have a medical at Newcastle, so Howe has their new centre-back, but work is still ongoing for the other positions to be filled.
At striker, Newcastle are in talks with Brentford for Yoane Wissa. Reports have stated that Wissa has skipped Brentford training over the last couple of weeks as he is very eager to get his move away. Newcastle look the likely destination, but Sky Sports correspondent Keith Downie shared some surprising news that Liverpool have shown late interest in the 28-year-old.
With Newcastle now facing competition for the forward’s signature, Downie has stated what Wissa is now saying about Liverpool’s interest.
Yoane Wissa challenges for the ball during a Premier League game between Wolves and Brentford.
Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images
Yoane Wissa only wants Newcastle United amid Liverpool interest
Thankfully, it is good news for the Magpies, with Wissa still eager for a move to the North East rather than Merseyside.
Wissa’s representatives travelled to the UK earlier this week to get the deal over the line. The hope is that once Brentford sign Bournemouth’s Dango Ouattara, it will allow Wissa to leave without much resistance.
Newcastle have been dealt many setbacks in the summer transfer window, but the deal for Wissa does not look like it will be one of them.
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Speaking on his YouTube channel about the Wissa deal, Downie said: “(Wissa had) verbally agreed personal terms, they’re not gonna be an issue. He’s desperate to come here. I was actually told by one source today that Liverpool have shown a little bit of late interest.
“Imagine Wissa going to Liverpool after all this. That is not the case; he is not going to go there, I am told only Newcastle for Yoane Wissa. Newcastle, he’s decided that is his destination, he’s desperate to come here, play at St James’ Park and play Champions League football next season.”
Newcastle United need Yoane Wissa to sign very quickly
Newcastle’s loss to Atletico Madrid on Saturday proved that a lot of work still needs to be done in the transfer window before Howe has a squad he can compete with. Signing Wissa will be a major boost to the squad, especially given what has happened with Alexander Isak this summer.
Although not officially confirmed by Howe, it appears Isak is refusing to play for Newcastle due to ongoing speculation around his future.
While Isak’s problems are one thing, a lack of quality and depth up top is another issue which should be addressed when Wissa joins. William Osula has spent much of pre-season as Newcastle’s first-choice striker, but has failed to make the impact many hoped he would when given the opportunity.
Elsewhere, Anthony Gordon survived a late injury scare against Atletico, with the winger confirming he only rolled his ankle before coming off.
Signing a striker like Wissa gives fans much more confidence that goals will come from the strikers while Isak is away next season. Wissa has a good eye for goal, having scored 19 Premier League goals last term.