Report: Newcastle chiefs hold talks over signing ‘unbelievable’ £40m star, ‘keep a close eye’

Newcastle United remain active in the transfer market, with manager Eddie Howe pushing to add greater depth to his attacking options ahead of the upcoming campaign.

While Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains a notable name on the club’s shortlist, he is far from the only forward being considered as the club seeks a reliable alternative to lead the line when needed.

The need for reinforcements in this area has only grown more urgent following the departure of Callum Wilson, leaving Alexander Isak as the only experienced centre-forward on the books.

With the deal for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga nearing completion, Newcastle’s recruitment efforts have now turned decisively toward the search for a striker who can complement Isak and maintain the attacking threat across domestic and European competitions.

Calvert-Lewin has held talks with the Magpies and remains a strong candidate. His availability on a free transfer adds financial appeal, especially as Newcastle aim to strengthen the squad without breaching financial fair play restrictions.

Yet, while his Premier League experience and proven goal-scoring record are valued by Howe and his staff, the club has begun to evaluate other potential additions who may offer a better combination of value, form, and versatility.

Among the emerging alternatives is Yoane Wissa, the Brentford forward who has quietly built a strong reputation as a reliable and dangerous attacker.

According to reports from the Daily Mail, Newcastle have explored the possibility of bringing Wissa to St James’ Park and consider him a genuine option in their summer transfer plans.

The 28-year-old forward has earned admirers within the club for both his technical attributes and his performances in the Premier League, particularly against Newcastle themselves.

Wissa enjoyed the best season of his career last term, scoring 20 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions. That total included a brace against Newcastle in a 4-2 Brentford win in December and another goal in the Carabao Cup quarter-final.

He also managed to assist five goals throughout the campaign, including a decisive contribution that helped Brentford win a penalty during their 2-1 loss to Newcastle in April.

These performances have not gone unnoticed on Tyneside, where his ability to influence high-stakes matches has elevated him as a serious transfer target.

Adding to the appeal of a possible transfer is Wissa’s contract situation. With just 12 months remaining on his current deal at Brentford, and only a club option to extend it by another year, this summer presents an opportune moment for Newcastle to strike.

The club is known for seeking maximum value in the transfer market, and the timing could align perfectly with Brentford’s willingness to sell while the player’s stock is high.

His value is likely at its peak following a standout season, and the Bees may prefer to cash in now rather than risk a diminished return a year later.

Brentford reportedly placed a £40 million valuation on Wissa in January when Nottingham Forest expressed interest.

Although no deal materialized at that point, such a figure would still represent a major return on their initial £8.5 million investment made in 2021 when they signed him from Lorient.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank has spoken glowingly about Wissa’s impact at the club, describing him as “unbelievable” in an interview with the Premier League’s official site.

That endorsement is backed by hard numbers and consistent performances, especially when it comes to scoring key goals in competitive fixtures.

For Newcastle, Wissa offers more than just goals. He brings pace, positional flexibility, and the kind of directness that fits seamlessly into Eddie Howe’s high-intensity attacking approach.

While he may begin as a secondary option behind Isak, the possibility of Champions League football and the opportunity to join a rapidly progressing project could appeal to the Congolese international.

Given the depth and rotation required to compete across multiple competitions, Wissa could find himself playing a vital role rather than being confined to a backup status.

Newcastle’s interest in Calvert-Lewin and Wissa highlights a dual-track strategy: one rooted in pragmatism and Premier League familiarity, the other focused on dynamic players hitting their prime.

Howe’s recruitment philosophy is clearly built on versatility, work ethic, and a forward’s ability to adapt across the front line. Whether Newcastle opt for the proven reliability of Calvert-Lewin or the red-hot form of Wissa, the club’s ambition to strengthen its forward line is unmistakable.

As pre-season intensifies, so too does the urgency to finalise deals that will shape the attacking identity of Howe’s side for the challenges that lie ahead.