'Difficult' - Brentford boss issues Yoane Wissa update amid Newcastle United interest

Yoane Wissa was absent from Brentford’s pre-season friendly at Queens Park Rangers on Saturday as he continues to push for a move to Newcastle United.

Wissa left the Bees’ training camp in Portugal last week and hasn’t trained with his teammates since. He turned up at Brentford’s training ground on Wednesday but left after a few hours.

The 28-year-old wants to join Newcastle, who last had a £35million package rejected. Wissa feels the West London club aren’t keeping to their promise of letting him go this summer.

Brentford boss Keith Andrews addresses Yoane Wissa situation

Wissa’s absence continued on Saturday as the forward missed the Bees’ 1-0 victory at Queens Park Rangers.

Speaking after the game, manager Keith Andrews said: “The situation is he’s training at the training ground but I think it’s probably public knowledge at this stage that he left that training camp in Lisbon.

“It was probably the right decision for all parties in that we had to support him in what is a difficult time for him. We need to remember that it’s not just about the footballer, it’s about the human being and the person first.

“Again, public knowledge that there is some interest in Wissa so we have to respect that, respect him. I’ve got a really good relationship with Yoane from last season and that is still the case now but obviously, it’s not ideal.

“[There is] constant communication with Yoane around the situation. I think he’s OK to a point. I’ve been in that position myself as a player, not to this level, but it can be stressful for an individual and I think that’s where it goes back to what our club is about, how its run from the top.

“We always treat people with respect and again, when you look at the business we’ve done this season with the outgoings, it’s been done early. This is probably not wanted. It’s not an ideal scenario but what transfer window is.”

Brentford reportedly change Yoane Wissa stance

Having lost several key personnel this summer, including manager Thomas Frank, Christian Norgaard and Bryan Mbeumo, Brentford have been unwilling to let Wissa unless an offer exceeds £40m.

But according to talkSPORT, the Bees are now willing to sell Wissa if they can find a replacement. Newcastle want to sign Wissa and RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko after Alexander Isak asked to leave the club.

The Magpies rejected a £110million bid from Liverpool for Isak last Friday and won’t sanction his exit unless a replacement is found. Wissa is viewed as someone who can replace Callum Wilson, who has joined West Ham United, while Sesko can step in for Isak.

Newcastle have submitted a £70m bid for Sesko with further talks ongoing over how a deal will be structured. But they aren’t the only club in the race with Manchester United also involved in discussions.

YOUR NEXT READ: RB Leipzig issue official Benjamin Sesko update after Newcastle United bid & Man Utd talks.

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