An Elanga repeat: Newcastle are “going to sign” £35m star in coming days
Newcastle United lacked the firepower you might expect from a team without Alexander Isak’s potency on the opening day of the Premier League away at Aston Villa.
16 shots would pass Eddie Howe’s Magpies by during the 0-0 stalemate in the West Midlands, with Anthony Gordon having to line up as an out-and-out centre-forward in the absence of their Swedish star-man.
Despite the frustrating final scoreline, Howe would praise the togetherness of his Toon camp come the full-time whistle.
But, he will know, deep down, that a new striker is still a must, as the wasteful Magpies look to be closing in on a dangerous attacker to finally fill Isak’s void.
Newcastle close to signing £35m striker
It has been a bumpy transfer window of various signings that look to be wrapped up, then astonishingly falling to the wayside.
This heartbreak has regularly occurred involving the Toon’s ongoing pursuit of a fresh striker, with Joao Pedro and Liam Delap once being eyed up before Chelsea swooped in, while Benjamin Sesko was reportedly close to a Tyneside switch, before moving to Manchester United over St James’ Park.
All this agony would be swiftly swept under the carpet if Craig Hope’s recent development is to be believed, with the Daily Mail journalist stating on YouTube that he remains convinced by Yoane Wissa finally going to the Magpies next week, after being on Howe and Co’s shortlist all summer long.
Hope said: “I remain convinced he [Wissa] is going to come in next week.”
It remains to be seen how much Newcastle would have to cough up for the Congolese attacker’s services, with a price tag around the £35m mark previously being talked about.
