Brentford boss issues official Yoane Wissa update after £40m Newcastle United bid

Yoane Wissa could feature for Brentford in their Premier League clash against Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3pm).

Wissa hasn’t played for the Bees since the final day of last season after leaving their pre-season camp in Portugal last month following an approach from Newcastle United.

The 28-year-old has made it clear that he wants to join Newcastle and has previously refused to train with Keith Andrews’ squad in an attempt to force through a move.

Yoane Wissa could make Brentford return vs Aston Villa

But in the last fortnight, Wissa has returned to team training and according to Andrews, could be in the matchday squad against Villa tomorrow.

It comes just days after the DR Congo international deleted all mention of Brentford on his Instagram account. The Bees have also this week turned down a new £40m bid from Newcastle.

Andrews said: "He’s been training with the team. In terms of being involved this weekend, I’ll make a decision on the squad tomorrow, but he’s been part of the group this week.

“He’s a Brentford player right now. My stance around Yoane all along really is that I don’t want him to leave and that hasn’t really changed any way, shape or form. I keep going back to being understanding on his situation but for me I don’t want to lose a player of that quality.

“That hasn’t really changed without the whole episode of the transfer window so hopefully he’s here in the next 10-12 days, whatever it is [until the deadline]. Certainly as the head coach that’s what I would like.”

Newcastle United assessing new striker steps

Newcastle retain a strong interest in Wissa but at present are unwilling to meet the Bees’ demands, which is understood to be a fee between £40m to £50m. Because of Wissa’s desire to move to St James’ Park, it is hoped a compromise can be reached but time is running out with the transfer window closing on September 1.

First and foremost, Newcastle want to sign a replacement for Callum Wilson, who joined West Ham United on free transfer, but they are also dealing with the ongoing Alexander Isak situation.

Earlier this week, Isak went public with his desire to leave the Magpies amid interest from Liverpool but as it stands, the club do not foresee the conditions of a sale being met. In order to sanction Isak’s departure, Newcastle would need to sign two strikers, while the Reds would have to meet his British record asking price.

“We're working hard on incomings,” Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said on Friday. “I wouldn't say we're close. We still have a little bit of time, but that time will go very quickly, as we know.

“So we're in a position where I think the squad's in a really good place, but we're still looking to replace Callum Wilson. That's sort of the big area that we're working on.”