Brentford boss Keith Andrews has provided the latest on Newcastle United target Yoane Wissa, who is keen to leave the London-based club for Tyneside this summer.
Over the last week, a lot of focus has been on whether Benjamin Sesko will move to the North East or the North West.
Both Newcastle United and Manchester United are interested in signing the 22-year-old, who scored an impressive 21 goals in all competitions last season. It was revealed that Newcastle owner Jamie Reuben held talks with RB Leipzig and Sesko on Monday, leading to a fresh bid of around £78million.
The feeling is that Newcastle’s latest bid for Sesko will be accepted, and that the player is now open to a move to Tyneside. Elsewhere, Newcastle remain interested in Brentford’s Yoane Wissa. The 28-year-old left the Bees’ training camp in Portugal amid speculation over his future, and was reportedly furious after two bids for him from Newcastle were rejected.
Brentford chiefs think Wissa will join Newcastle this summer, but head coach Keith Andrews appeared to have an air of confidence when they were asked about the situation.
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Keith Andrews provides Yoane Wissa update amid Newcastle United links
Wissa has been skipping Brentford training since the rumours of his move to Newcastle began. He is clearly hoping the deal will come to fruition and he can achieve his dream of playing in the Champions League.
However, Andrews has confirmed that the DR Congo international is at least at the training ground, though he may be working on his own rather than with the team.
On Wissa, Andrews told Sky Sports: “The situation is he’s training at the training ground but I think it’s probably public knowledge at this stage that he left that training camp in Lisbon. It was probably the right decision for all parties in that we had to support him in what is a difficult time for him.
“We need to remember that it’s not just about the footballer, it’s about the human being and the person first. Again, public knowledge that there is some interest in Wissa so we have to respect that, respect him.
“I’ve got a really good relationship with Yoane from last season and that is still the case now but obviously, it’s not ideal. [There is] constant communication with Yoane around the situation.
“We always treat people with respect and again, when you look at the business we’ve done this season with the outgoings, it’s been done early. This is probably not wanted. It’s not an ideal scenario but what transfer window is.”
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How Newcastle United feel about signing Yoane Wissa amid Benjamin Sesko talks
Newcastle are in a situation where they are ready to spend and make improvements to Eddie Howe’s squad this summer. Deals have already been done, with Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale joining, but more work needs to be done before the squad has enough depth and quality to compete in the Premier League and Champions League.
While Sesko appears to be the priority at Newcastle, the club is still eager to bring Wissa on board to provide more depth in attack. William Osula has led the line during pre-season, but there are concerns over whether the 22-year-old is ready to be a regular starter in the Premier League.
Newcastle still want Wissa even if Sesko joins, and are confident they can get that deal over the line. A transfer fee is still yet to be agreed upon, with reports suggesting the Magpies may need to spend as much as £40million for Wissa after his brilliant 2024/25 campaign.
Once his attack is sorted, Howe will likely look to sign a midfielder or centre-back, as those positions are currently lacking in depth.
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