TBR Football understands that Brentford are close to finalising terms for Dango Ouattara – which will free up Yoane Wissa to complete his move to Newcastle United.
Ouattara has made it clear to Bournemouth that he is ready to move, and sources have confirmed that a deal between the two clubs is now close.
Sources have revealed to TBR Football that Wissa’s deal with Newcastle is “not far away” and there is a chance that if the Ouattara deal is completed soon, Wissa’s move to the North East could be finalised ahead of their season opener at Aston Villa this weekend.
TBR Football also understands Bournemouth are accelerating their interest in Bayer Leverkusen forward Amine Adli, as a direct replacement for Ouattara.
Chelsea FC v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Wissa’s career at Brentford appears all but over as he has made his intentions perfectly clear regarding his desire to move to St James’ Park.
Brentford are also in talks with Stade Rennes for Arnaud Kalimuendo – meaning The Bees, with Ouattara, would finally have their replacements for Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo.
Exclusive: Brentford close in on Yoane Wissa replacements
Chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has exclusively revealed to TBR Football that Brentford are close to finalising a deal with Bournemouth for Ouattara.
Bailey states: “Brentford have made huge progress on Ouattara and the deal is now close, there is a good chance that he could be available to make his debut this weekend at Nottingham Forest.
“New boss Keith Andrews was insistent that they could not allow Wissa to leave without reinforcements, and now that is happening.”
Wissa has looked to force a move to Newcastle after a £25 million offer was rejected in July, since he excluded himself from duties at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Yoane Wissa of Brentford celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
The Magpies have, of course, been scouring the market for offensive recruits following the prolonged saga surrounding Alexander Isak.
However, after Benjamin Sesko chose Manchester United over a move to St James’ Park, joining names such as Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, and Mbeumo in turning down Eddie Howe’s side, Wissa is now at the front of the queue.
Newcastle want Wissa to face Aston Villa
Newcastle, similarly to Brentford, would like to secure two attacking signings before addressing the potential sale of Isak.
Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson is another name on the radar, and the Senegalese international prefers a move to Newcastle should he leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
Howe is without an available recognised centre-forward and was forced to utilise Anthony Gordon as the number 9 during the pre-season loss against Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
Anthony Gordon in action for Newcastle
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Following Callum Wilson’s departure to West Ham upon the expiry of his contract and Isak’s refusal to return to the first team fold due to Liverpool’s ongoing interest, options are scarce heading into the Premier League curtain raiser against Aston Villa.
However, Brentford are expected to soon be in a position where Andrews can feel justified in allowing Wissa to leave West London.