Newcastle United favourite names new ‘No. 9’ signing amid Alexander Isak ‘major blow’ claim
Newcastle are targeting a replacement for Callum Wilson following his release at the end of June.
Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Hugo Ekitike have all be pursued by The Magpies but have ended up going elsewhere, leaving Eddie Howe to pursue other transfer targets.
One name that has come to the fore in recent weeks is Brentford forward Yoane Wissa. The 28-year-old is in the final year of his contract at the Gtech Community Stadium, with the option of another year.
The DR Congo international also scored 20 goals for The Bees last season in all competitions. Wissa left Brentford’s pre-season training camp in Portugal for crunch talks over his future with Newcastle seeing an initial £25million bid rejected.
But the links have surfaced amid speculation surrounding the future of Alexander Isak at Newcastle. While The Magpies insist Isak, who is under contract until 2028, is not for sale this summer, Liverpool have been credited with a strong interest.
Although no formal approach has been made to Newcastle about Isak, the striker was sent home ahead of the pre-season friendly at Celtic on Saturday. Head coach Eddie Howe suggested the speculation surrounding Isak’s future, as well as the fact that he was set to be rested for the game, were contributing factors to why he decided to send the striker home.
Newcastle fly out to Singapore on Thursday, with Isak expected to be on the plane despite concerns around his fitness. His absence would only further fuel the speculation surrounding his future.
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Kevin Nolan makes Newcastle United striker claim
Newcastle favourite and talkSPORT pundit Kevin Nolan has addressed the club’s striker situation and the potential of Wissa becoming the club’s new No. 9.
Isak will be given first refusal of the shirt but has already hinted he would turn it down in favour of staying No. 14. The club are also considering a new contract for the striker but may have to break the bank in order to reach an agreement.
