Newcastle have joined the clubs chasing Brentford forward Yoane Wissa following their failure to sign Hugo Ekitike.
The Tynesiders saw an offer for Ekitike rejected by Eintracht Frankfurt earlier this week, at which point Liverpool stepped in and the Frenchman is now seemingly bound for Anfield.
The positive for Newcastle is Liverpool’s pursuit of Alexander Isak is now likely over, and they get to keep the Sweden international, but Ekitike’s rejection of a move to St James’ Park is the latest in a series of snubs for Eddie Howe’s side.
They were interested in Joao Pedro, who opted for Chelsea, and Bryan Mbeumo, who continues to hold out for a move to Manchester United even though there appears no breakthrough as the clubs haggle over a fee.
It remains to be seen if a move for Wissa proves more fruitful.
Wissa a wanted man
The DR Congo international is also wanted by Nottingham Forest and Tottenham, now managed by former Brentford boss Thomas Frank.
Wissa has 12 months left on his contract at the Gtech Community Stadium but the club have the option to extend it by a further year.
The 28-year-old has scored 45 goals in 137 Premier League appearances since joining from Lorient in 2021.