Forget Ekitike: Newcastle “exploring” a move for £50m PL star

Newcastle United have reportedly ended their pursuit of Eintracht striker Hugo Ekitike and are quickly shifting on to a goal-scorer nearer to residence.

The Magpies have been embroiled in a striker saga that has dominated the headlines this week, which led to an strategy from Premier League champions Liverpool for Swedish sensation Alexander Isak.

As has all the time been the case, Newcastle have little interest in parting methods with their star ahead and as a substitute stay targeted on bolstering their attacking line forward of the brand new season.

Liverpool have superior their negotiations to signal Ekitike as a substitute, which leaves Newcastle in a state of affairs the place they both take a look at the resolve of the Frankfurt star or transfer on.

A recent report from The Athletic’s David Ornstein means that Newcastle are shifting on in a short time and can now take a look at Premier League friends Brentford.

Writing on social media platform X, Ornstein claims:

“Newcastle exploring transfer to signal Yoane Wissa from Brentford after cooling Hugo Ekitike curiosity.

!No #NUFC / #BrentfordFC contact but however anticipated quickly + private phrases additionally should be agreed.”

“Availability & value might rely upon Mbeumo case @TheAthleticFC”

How a lot will Yoane Wissa value?

It’s clear that Newcastle view the signing of one other centre-forward as a high precedence this summer time, particularly with a Champions League marketing campaign looming.

Securing a striker who can confidently contribute targets, relieve a few of the burden on Isak and strengthen the squad throughout all competitions – each domestically and in Europe – will probably be important.

Wissa has delivered constantly for Brentford, netting 49 targets and offering 13 assists in 149 appearances.

That’s a purpose contribution each 142 minutes, a formidable output that will be warmly welcomed on Tyneside.

The DR Congo worldwide has flourished since Ivan Toney’s departure, and his partnership with Bryan Mbeumo grew to become one of the talked-about attacking duos within the Premier League final season.

Newcastle can profit from having a ready-made Premier League striker of their ranks with the signing of the 29-year-old, spending a big quantity lower than they’d’ve on Ekitike, as the value tag reportedly stands at £50m.

All issues thought of, this transfer for Wissa is one to look at within the coming hours and days.

Newcastle seem laser-focused on securing a striker shortly, so it wouldn’t be shocking to see them desk an official provide for the Brentford purpose machine imminently.