Brentford striker Wissa is a transfer target for Newcastle United but Liverpool have been credited with interest
Brentford's Yoane Wissa
Brentford's Yoane Wissa(Image: PA)
Newcastle United have seen too many transfer targets head elsewhere this summer, but are finally closing in on key deals before the big Premier League kick-off next weekend.
AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw is expected to become the third first-team signing for the window, with the German heading to Tyneside for a medical after a £35m deal was agreed between the two clubs.
United are keen to add more players to Eddie Howe's squad, with Brentford's Yoane Wissa thought to be next in line.
The DR Congo forward has told the Bees he is keen to move to Tyneside, and a while a fee is yet to be agreed, Newcastle are hopefuly of some movement in the coming days.
Brentford are close to completing a deal for Bournemouth forward Dango Ouatarra, which could mean they give the green light to Wissa's switch to St James' Park - provided the two clubs come to an agreement on the price.
However, reports this weekend have suggested Liverpool could make a late swoop for the 28-year-old. . . having failed to land Alexander Isak from the Magpies.
Arne Slot's Reds have had a £110m offer rejected by Newcastle, and could now walk away from any deal with United sticking to their guns on both their valuation and reluctance to sell without a suitable replacement.
Newcastle were denied a deal to sign Slovenian forward Benjamin Sesko after he opted to join Manchester United despite a strong offer from the Magpies, which has meant there has been little movement on Isak's situation.
The Swede has made it clear he wants to explore options away from St James' Park and is currently training separately from the squad.
Howe revealed that while he would love to have him involved in his plans, he is currently unable to call upon Isak's services, and he is highly unlikely to be part of the squad that travels to Aston Villa for next Saturday's Premier League opener.
Wissa has always been seen as a replacement for Callum Wilson - who left on a free transfer at the start of the summer - but if United can land the forward, he would at least give Howe some attacking options in Isak's absence.
Anthony Gordon will lead the line as things stand, with Will Osula as a back-up option, but Howe is well aware that the England star favours a wide left role.
Liverpool's reported interest in Wissa could put a spanner in the works, although it may also mean an end to their Isak interest for now.
The Swede would then have to decide whether to backtrack on his push to leave and somehow make amends with Howe, his team-mates and the United fanbase.
Of course it's possible Liverpool are calling Newcastle's bluff in an attempt to force a rethink on their stance, while you could argue that Wissa may yet prefer a move to St James' Park, where is is likely to get more gametime.
Liverpool have already signed striker Hugo Ekitike this summer, although have seen forwards Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez leave Anfield for Bayern Munich and Al-Hilal respectively.
But the sooner Newcastle make progress on a deal to sign Wissa, the better for Eddie Howe and Co.