Andrews faces a tough job this seasonplaceholder image
Andrews faces a tough job this season | Getty Images
Brentford could be a step closer to losing another of their best players this summer
The next exit could involve forward Yoane Wissa, who has been pushing for an exit this summer following the departure of strike partner Mbeumo.
Despite that, Andrews had previously said Wissa would be welcomed back to Brentford training. He said at the time: “Where it’s at is, in a nutshell, is there’s interest in Yoane. As everybody knows, he came back from the tour in Lisbon, which we felt was the right decision for Yoane.
“We have to respect his position and the fact that it can be stressful, emotional. I think that’s only natural for players. I think if you say anything different, you’re not living in the real world. But for us, it’s really simple. He’s a little bit behind in his fitness, he’s training very, very hard at the moment at the training ground and we look forward to welcoming him back into the group.”
Since then, though, things appear to have taken a turn, with Wissa confirmed as left out for this weekend’s Premier League opener. Andrews said on Thursday: “I have made a decision he is not [available].It has been a very disrupted pre-season - I think you're aware of that interest in Yoane."
He added: “[I'm] very clear on the situation. As a head coach, I want Yoane in the building, to be a part of the first-team and the squad. I see that moving forwards but I am very understanding of his situation," added Andrews.
"I have a very good relationship with him, and that will persist, but we have to focus on the players who are ready to play and perform on Sunday and I don't think Yoane's in that space. For Yoane on Sunday, he won't be involved."
After that update, Fabrizio Romano has claimed Newcastle United are stepping up their interest as they look to add depth to their front line this summer following the departure of Callum Wilson to West Ham and the possible departure of Alexander Isak.
Romano posted: “Newcastle now planning to advance with Yoane Wissa deal as soon as possible after Brentford agreed Ouattara deal. Ouattara to sign at Brentford in next 24h, Wissa not even with the squad this weekend as he only wants to leave. Clear priority to #NUFC.”
Newcastle are already said to have had a £30million bid rejected this summer, with Brentford reportedly holding out for £42.5million. Given the Magpies are asking for around £150million to sell Isak this summer, the Bees are unlikely to be sympathetic to their hopes of a discounted deal. Brentford are also well aware they will have to find a suitable replacement and in the back-end of the window.
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