CHANGE OF TACTIC COULD PAY DIVIDENDS

NEWCASTLE United are hoping Yoane Wissa can be the direct competition for Alexander Isak this season as they seek a deal with Brentford - and move away from their previous pursuit of young talent to fill that particular hole in Eddie Howe's squad.

- By AARON STOKES

The Congolese forward netted 19 Premier League goals last term but still some of the St James’ Park faithful aren’t too sure whether he is the right target to be pursuing after missing out on Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Hugo Ekitike - all of whom are under the age of 24.

At the age of 28, Wissa is not your typical Newcastle signing these days. In recent years the Magpies have moved almost exclusively for young talent who can continue to grow under Eddie Howe.

Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento, Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak, Sven Botman and Anthony Elanga all fit that bill after being signed before they turned 24.