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Newcastle's prospects of securing Yoane Wissa as a replacement for Hugo Ekitike have been significantly bolstered.
Brentford forward Wissa emerged as a target after Liverpool outpaced the Magpies in the pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Ekitike. Speaking of Ekitike, one Frankfurt star has outlined the 23-year-old Frenchman's best qualities.
Earlier this week, Newcastle had tabled an offer for Ekitike, which was rebuffed by Frankfurt. Toon boss Eddie Howe had envisioned Ekitike partnering with Alexander Isak, who's picked up a surprise admirer, but this plan was thwarted by Liverpool's intervention. Initially, the Premier League champion was eyeing Isak, but Newcastle maintained that he wasn't on the market.
Even if the St. James' Park hierarchy were compelled to sell Isak, they would demand a British-record transfer fee for him.
This led the Reds to shift their focus to Ekitike, and they quickly gained an advantage over Newcastle. The Frankfurt star has agreed personal terms with Liverpool, and the Reds are now in advanced negotiations with the Bundesliga club.
In the meantime, Newcastle has redirected its attention to Wissa, whom it believes could also form a formidable partnership with Isak.
Brentford has been hesitant to let go, particularly after losing manager Thomas Frank to Tottenham, selling captain Christian Norgaard to Arsenal, and accepting an offer for Bryan Mbeumo from Manchester United all within the past few weeks.
Keen not to lose another key player, Brentford attempted to initiate contract discussions with Wissa, whose current deal runs out in 12 months. However, BBC Sport reports that the 28-year-old has expressed his desire to depart the club.
Newcastle isn't the only team eyeing a swoop for Wissa, who notched up 20 goals last term and etched his name into Brentford's history books as the club's top Premier League scorer.
Tottenham and Nottingham Forest are also keen, with Forest having previously failed to secure his signature in January.
All three contenders can tempt the DR Congo international with the prospect of European football. The Bees snagged Wissa from French outfit Lorient back in 2021.
In May, Brentford's director of football Phil Giles expressed a calm stance regarding 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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