With fewer than 10 days until the market shuts, Newcastle United are reportedly plotting a move to sign a Premier League opponent alongside Manchester City.

Just when it looked like progress was being made with a revived bid for Yoane Wissa and the arrival of Malick Thiaw, Newcastle now face another setback. Fresh reports suggest that despite Brentford easing their position, the Bees are demanding more than £60m for their striker, who has resumed training with the squad.

So far, the nearest Newcastle have gone to Brentford’s valuation is a £40m proposal. Whether they raise that before deadline day is unclear, though Wissa is no longer the sole option under consideration at St James’ Park.

Recent updates claim Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Jorgen Strand Larsen has also drawn Newcastle’s interest. The tall Norwegian impressed in his first Premier League season and would represent a strong alternative to Wissa before the window closes.

Wolves, however, are equally reluctant to sanction a discounted sale this late – with reports suggesting they too want over £60m to part ways with their leading striker.

Where Newcastle’s search for a striker goes from here remains uncertain in a turbulent summer, with whispers even linking them to signing a Premier League defender instead.

As per Caught Offside, Newcastle are weighing a move for Chelsea youngster Josh Acheampong in direct competition with Manchester City. The 19-year-old featured in Chelsea’s opening draw with Crystal Palace, keeping a clean sheet despite the team’s struggles going forward.

Now admired by Newcastle, the teenager could give Eddie Howe flexibility with his capacity to play both centre-back and right-back. The real question is whether Chelsea would sanction his exit, as the club continues to insist he is not available despite interest from City and Newcastle.

Touted by scout Jacek Kulig as a “superb defender in the making,” Acheampong is a talent to monitor closely wherever he ends up playing this season and beyond.