Wissa has rejoined full training with Brentford, dealing a blow to Newcastle’s pursuit of the 28-year-old attacker.

With leading scorer Alexander Isak refusing to feature for the Magpies, the pressure has grown, but the club’s main priority all summer has been replacing the departed Callum Wilson.

“It’s always been my desire to bring in a striker, and Callum [Wilson] needed replacing most of all,” Howe explained.

“I can’t stress that enough. We’re not searching in other areas, the main goal has been to add a striker to fill Callum’s void.

“Callum is a massive loss, not just his quality on the pitch but his character as well. That’s what we’re aiming to replace.”

After failing to secure several top names in this window, Newcastle are considering Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen as a possible Wilson successor.

Sources in the Midlands insist Newcastle have not approached Wolves directly, though interest exists, with intermediaries contacted to explore a possible transfer.

Wolves now want more than double their outlay, valuing the forward beyond £50m.

But like Newcastle, Wolves lack striking depth and won’t part with such a vital player so late in the market. Hence, no formal bid has been lodged while alternatives are being considered.

One forward Newcastle could realistically sign is Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson. After beating United to Delap and Joao Pedro, the Blues have made Jackson available to leave this summer.

Relations between Chelsea and Newcastle remain stronger than with most other ‘big six’ clubs, having previously struck a loan-to-buy deal for Lewis Hall. Both clubs will also play Champions League football this season.

Still, Jackson is clearly not Newcastle’s preferred target, even at this late point in the market.

The Senegalese international has hit 30 goals in 81 games for Chelsea since joining from Villarreal, netting 13 last season but missing the run-in and this campaign’s opener through suspension against Newcastle at St James’ Park.

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano confirmed Newcastle remain among several clubs circling the 24-year-old, though they face Premier League competition.

“For Nicolas Jackson, many clubs have made calls recently,” Romano said via YouTube. “One to mention for sure is Aston Villa.

“Aston Villa have been active lately, contacting all involved parties within the past days.

“Newcastle are still in the mix. They remain keen on Nicolas Jackson, and his situation will be a big story to track in these final days of the market. Newcastle are still one of the main contenders.

“So, Aston Villa, Newcastle, and we must also add Bayern Munich, who are closely following Jackson’s situation.

“Bayern have also made inquiries in recent weeks and remain alert to the Chelsea striker’s future. So yes, Bayern are watching, Villa are pushing, Newcastle are pushing — all these clubs are attentive.”