Sky Sports claim Newcastle will get green light to sign 19goal striker – if Man Utd deal falls through

Newcastle United’s search for a new striker continues to intensify this summer, with the club actively exploring several options to bolster their forward line ahead of the new campaign.

With Callum Wilson’s departure officially confirmed, Eddie Howe and his recruitment team have been assessing high-impact targets who could wear the iconic No. 9 shirt and add both quality and depth to their attacking options.

Among the names being considered is Brentford forward Yoane Wissa, who has drawn widespread attention after a prolific season that saw him net 20 goals across all competitions.

Despite being out of contract next summer, Brentford hold an option to extend his deal, placing them in a position of strength should serious offers arise.

Mail Online recently linked Newcastle with a move for the DR Congo international, and the speculation has grown amid the club’s pressing need to secure a natural goalscorer capable of leading the line or supporting Alexander Isak.

Although Isak is widely expected to receive first refusal for the vacant No. 9 shirt, he currently dons No. 14 and has previously expressed no strong desire to change it.

That leaves the possibility open for a fresh signing to inherit the legendary number, which has been worn by Newcastle greats and carries a weight of expectation at St James’ Park.

Wissa, however, won’t come cheaply or easily. Sky Sports have reported that Brentford are reluctant to part ways with both Wissa and his teammate Bryan Mbeumo in the same window.

Mbeumo has already been at the center of negotiations with Manchester United, who submitted a bid worth £55 million with an additional £7.5 million in potential add-ons.

Brentford, standing firm, are demanding a minimum of £65 million up front for the dynamic winger, who matched Wissa’s 20-goal haul last season.

With Manchester United yet to meet Brentford’s asking price, uncertainty clouds Mbeumo’s immediate future. That stalemate may indirectly influence Newcastle’s hopes of landing Wissa.

According to Sky Sports, Brentford will only allow one of the two forwards to leave this summer. If Mbeumo’s deal to Old Trafford collapses, it could present Newcastle with a rare opening to land Wissa.

Conversely, if Mbeumo departs, Brentford are expected to shut the door on any exit for Wissa, effectively removing the player from the market.

The competition for Wissa’s signature is growing, with Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest also showing serious interest. Forest, in fact, have already had a bid rejected, signaling that Brentford are willing to entertain offers but only under the right circumstances.

Sporting director Phil Giles, a known Newcastle United supporter himself, has acknowledged in an interview with Sky Sports that Brentford will only sanction sales if the financial terms meet the club’s valuation.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have also been monitoring other striking options across Europe, including Hugo Ekitike. The French forward has become a high-priority target after his standout season in Germany, and Newcastle appear to be leading the race despite interest from Liverpool and Manchester United.

Should Ekitike complete his expected move to Tyneside, Newcastle’s forward line could receive a major boost.

In the event that Manchester United fail to land Mbeumo, Newcastle’s pursuit of Wissa could rapidly escalate. For now, Brentford are playing a careful balancing act, knowing that letting both players go in a single window would be a gamble.

Newcastle, ever alert, remain prepared to move swiftly should the opportunity arise. With the No. 9 shirt unclaimed and the Champions League on the horizon, the stage is set for a marquee signing—whether that turns out to be Wissa, Ekitike, or another rising star remains to be seen.