Whatever becomes of Alexander Isak, one thing is obvious: Newcastle United need to secure a striker before the summer transfer window closes a week from Monday.

With Callum Wilson now departed, the squad requires another centre-forward to bolster the one department in Eddie Howe’s side that currently looks unprepared to battle across four competitions in the upcoming season.

Wissa has emerged as our main target to succeed the ex-No.9, yet negotiations for the 28-year-old have proven anything but simple.

On Wednesday, Newcastle increased their proposal from £25m to £35m plus £5m in bonuses, but Brentford swiftly rejected the improved bid, clearly taking a hard stance despite the forward’s strong desire to leave, much like Isak’s own situation!

Journalist Downie reports that Wissa ‘only wants Newcastle,’ with the club’s successful track record with French-African players such as Demba Ba, Papiss Cissé and Hatem Ben Arfa serving as a ‘major attraction’ for the attacker.

The DR Congo international, raised in the south-eastern suburbs of Paris, is also keen on becoming Newcastle’s next No.9 following Wilson’s departure, eyeing the club’s famous shirt previously worn by Shearer, Cissé, Cole and Ferdinand.

Added to this is our Champions League qualification, giving him the opportunity to play a central role for a Newcastle team badly lacking a striker in last weekend’s goalless draw with Aston Villa.

Unlike most cases this summer, Wissa is a forward determined to make the move and perfectly suited for that squad role, whether Isak is reintegrated or another top-level striker eventually arrives.

The real issue is whether Newcastle raise their £40m bid or if Brentford’s demands soften, provided they manage to secure a direct replacement of their own.