Online Reporter
YOANE WISSA’S relationship with Brentford is turning toxic as he tries to force through a move to Newcastle.
The striker, 28, stepped up his attempts to leave after telling the Bees he did not plan to play for them again — just like Toon’s Alexander Isak, who is hoping to join Prem champions Liverpool.
Wissa has deleted all mentions and photos of the Bees from his social media profiles.
But the West London club will not sell the DR Congo forward, who only has a year left on his contract, unless they can sign a replacement.
Newcastle are launching an improved £35million bid for Wissa this week, having already had a £30m offer knocked back.
He missed Brentford’s 3-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest on Sunday amid the stand-off.
Confidence was mounting within St James’ Park that they would land Wissa in time to unleash him against Liverpool on Monday.
The Bees completed the £42.5m signing of Dango Ouattara, 23, from Bournemouth on Saturday.
But the Burkina Faso ace is viewed as a replacement for 26-year-old Bryan Mbeumo, who joined Manchester United in a £71m deal.
Wissa is determined to complete a move to Tyneside so he can realise his Champions League dream.
The star left Brentford’s pre-season camp in Portugal after they turned down Toon’s offer last month.
He returned to training after talks with boss Keith Andrews but remained adamant he wanted out.
Wissa’s camp thought they would get their way once Ouattara arrived.
But the star has been left fuming as Brentford dig their heels in unless they get a £50m-plus bid.
Brentford’s refusal to sell is the latest setback in Newcastle’s mission to sign a new striker.
The Magpies have missed out on Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko.
Toon’s goalless draw at Aston Villa saw them kick-off their campaign without a recognised forward due to Isak’s refusal to play.
And if they cannot get Wissa over the line, the chances of Isak, 25, going to the Reds — who failed with a £110m offer — will drastically reduce.
And the Magpies’ need for a new striker was evident as they failed to turn their dominance into three points as they drew 0-0 at Aston Villa.
Newcastle have missed out on Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko in their so far unsuccessful hunt for a new frontman this summer.
Isak remains intent on holding out for a mega-money move to Premier League champs Liverpool.
It has led to Magpies legend Alan Shearer slamming Isak’s actions − Sun.
Mathew Masinge