Breaking: Newcastle close in on £55m striker set to 'undergo medical' and replace Isak
Newcastle have agreed a transfer fee for Brentford striker Yoane Wissa on transfer deadline day.
Newcastle United seem set to both sell and replace Alexander Isak on transfer deadline day, with reports suggesting that a key target is on his way to Tyneside to undergo a medical ahead of a £55m deadline day move.
Fabrizio Romano reported on Monday morning that Newcastle have had a £55m offer accepted for Brentford forward Yoane Wissa, who has been a target throughout the summer. Following the arrival of Nick Woltemade, the path has now been cleared for Isak to complete a long-awaited and controversial move to Liverpool.
The Swedish international is travelling to Anfield for a medical of his own ahead of a move which is expected to break the British transfer record, and Newcastle are already spending the proceeds as they work to ensure they have the required goals in their side.
Yoane Wissa finally set for Newcastle move as Brentford relent
Wissa, 28, was in the final year of his contract at the Brentford Community Stadium and had made his desire to leave for Newcastle eminently clear over recent weeks, most recently releasing a public statement telling supporters that he wanted to leave.
That followed a period during which Wissa refused to train or play during pre-season, and the Congolese forward was not considered for selection by new manager Keith Andrews for the opening three matches of the Premier League season.
As appears to be the case with Isak, Wissa’s attempts to force a move now appear set to pay off after Newcastle returned with an improved offer of around £55m having previously had bids of up to £40m rejected by Brentford.
The Bees had been holding out for £60m but a middle ground has now been found. The agreement of a deal may also indicate that Brentford have made progress on their search for a replacement striker after an initial offer for Borussia Dortmund’s Max Beier was turned down.
Wissa move brings Isak saga to a close
Wissa’s expected move also all but confirms the departure of Isak, who has been refusing to attend training or play in a bid to force his way out of Newcastle United for several weeks.
Liverpool have had an offer worth as much as £130m including add-ons accepted, which will make Isak the most expensive player in Premier League transfer history. Isak’s move to Anfield is expected to be confirmed before the transfer deadline passes at 7pm on Monday.
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With reports suggesting that the transfer fee for Woltemade was around £70m, Newcastle will already have spent the entirety of the proceeds from the Isak sale on his replacements, although the sale will help Newcastle’s position in relation to the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules going forward, giving them more room to spend in future transfer windows.
Newcastle may also be in the market for a midfielder before the deadline passes, with several reports over the weekend linking them with a bid for Inter Milan and Italy player Davide Frattesi, although negotiations are not expected to be straightforward.