Newcastle see Wissa bid rejected by Brentford, but striker’s desire for move grows

Newcastle United have seen their £25m offer for Yoane Wissa rejected by Brentford, but the Magpies are not giving up on signing the Congolese forward.

According to reports, personal terms would not be an issue between Newcastle and Wissa, whose future has become a key topic at Brentford this summer.

The 28-year-old has left the club’s pre-season camp in Portugal to hold face-to-face talks with Brentford officials, as growing transfer speculation continues to swirl around him.

Brentford value Wissa at over £50m, and are reluctant to sanction his departure following the sale of Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United for £65m. The two players were Brentford’s top scorers last season, with Wissa netting 19 Premier League goals in 35 appearances.

The Bees are understood to have recently attempted to open talks over a new contract with Wissa, whose current deal has one year remaining, though it includes an option for a further 12 months.

However, the player is reportedly keen on a move away, and his desire to leave has only grown amid increased interest from other clubs.

Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest are also monitoring the situation, with all three suitors – including Newcastle – offering European football next season.

The Athletic reported that Newcastle shifted their focus to Wissa after cooling their interest in Hugo Ekitike, who is now close to joining Liverpool.

While Nottingham Forest have had previous bids turned down, Newcastle’s approach in the last 48 hours has been more aggressive. A second offer is now expected, with Eddie Howe eager to strengthen his attacking options.

Wissa has scored 49 goals in 149 appearances for Brentford since arriving from Lorient in 2021.

With Thomas Frank now gone to Tottenham along with several backroom staff and club captain Christian Norgaard having joined Arsenal, Wissa’s departure would represent another significant loss for the Bees.

Brentford are believed to be weighing up the financial risk of keeping Wissa, who turns 29 in September and may not attract the same value next summer.

Their pre-season preparations continue, with a friendly against Gil Vicente scheduled for 25 July, but Wissa’s availability for that fixture remains in doubt as his future hangs in the balance.