Newcastle are close to losing the race for Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool but Eddie Howe’s side have already got a backup plan, a player proven in the Premier League
Newcastle’s hopes of signing Yoane Wissa as an alternative to Hugo Ekitike have received a major boost. Brentford striker Wissa was identified after Liverpool shoved the Magpies aside in the race for £86million-rated Ekitike.
The Frenchman had been the subject of a £70m bid from Newcastle earlier this week which was rejected by Eintracht Frankfurt. Eddie Howe wanted Ekitike, 23, to play alongside Alexander Isak but that plan was scuppered by an approach Liverpool.
Initially, the Premier League champions had their sights on Isak but Newcastle insisted that he isn’t for sale. Even if St James’ Park chiefs were forced to sell him, they’d demand a British-record transfer fee of at least £125million.
That prompted Liverpool to pivot to Ekitike and they quickly stole a march on Newcastle. The Frankfurt star has agreed personal terms with Liverpool, who are in advanced talks with the Bundesliga club.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have turned their attention to Wissa, who they believe can also play alongside Isak. Brentford have been reluctant to sell, especially after losing manager Thomas Frank to Tottenham, selling captain Christian Norgaard to Arsenal and accepting a £71million bid for Bryan Mbeumo from Manchester United all in the last few weeks.
READ MORE: Alexander Isak caused tension between boss and club chief after sudden transfer U-turnREAD MORE: Newcastle new boy Anthony Elanga sends Liverpool transfer message to Alexander Isak
Desperate not to lose another star, Brentford attempted to open contract talks with Wissa, whose current deal expires in 12 months’ time. But BBC Sport report that the 28-year-old has made it clear that he wants to leave the club.
Newcastle aren’t the only club weighing up a move for Wissa, who bagged 20 goals last season and become Brentford’s all-time leading goalscorer in Premier League history. Tottenham and Nottingham Forest have also registered their interest, with the latter having failed to sign him in January after making a £25m bid.
All three clubs can offer the DR Congo international the chance to play European football. Brentford paid just £8.5m to sign Wissa from French club Lorient in 2021.
Which club should Yoane Wissa join – Newcastle, Tottenham or Nottingham Forest? Let us know in the comments section.
In May, Brentford director of football Phil Giles said that the Bees were ‘pretty relaxed’ on the futures of Mbeumo and Wissa. “If I was looking at a striker or a wide player as another club then they have to be on a shortlist, you would imagine,” Giles acknowledged, speaking to the BBC.
“But the number of clubs that can sign them is a small number worldwide so time will tell if a club has that need or requirement. At the moment, we are pretty relaxed.”
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