While Alexander Isak is somewhere on Tyneside putting his toys back in the pram, Newcastle United have at least one striker to sign, regardless of what happens to our sulking Swede.
Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen has emerged as an option over the past 24 hours, but the club are entering a key stage in their bid to sign Brentford’s Yoane Wissa.
Almost exactly a month ago, Newcastle launched a £25m bid for the DR Congo star, which was immediately rejected by the Bees.
Earlier this week, it was reported that they are standing firm on their valuation and demanding upwards of £50m for the 28-year-old, with the club insisting that Dango Ouattara has arrived as Bryan Mbeumo’s replacement, not the striker to sanction Wissa’s sale.
And today, we’ve seen a big update on Newcastle’s attempts to reach a compromise, with Ben Jacobs reporting that an improved bid worth £35m plus add-ons has now been lodged.
Sky Sports’ Keith Downie has added to this, confirming that a £35m bid plus £5m in add-ons has been sent Brentford’s way after talks re-opened today between the two clubs.
Newcastle are ‘hopeful’ this could be enough, but caution is advised given Brentford’s tough stance so far, with Wissa’s attempt to force a move leaving the West London club understandably angered.