Striker target has the makings of a cult hero

THIS one might surprise you. Who was the Premier League’s highest non-penalty goal scorer last season? Mohamed Salah? Alexander Isak? Erling Haaland? Nope. It was Yoane Wissa of Brentford.

- By CIARAN KELLY Football writer

Throw in Wissa's ability to plug in as well as his durability, versatility and work rate no other forward won more second balls in the topflight last season and this looks a fairly low-risk move by Newcastle United. If the Magpies manage to pull it off after having an opening bid of £25m turned down.

Yet this pursuit also marks something of a departure for Newcastle. Although Wissa is a late bloomer, whose goal record has significantly improved year-on-year at Brentford, the forward turns 29 in September.

Interestingly, all of the senior outfield players Newcastle have recruited in the last three years have been 25 and under when they joined the club and their ability to grow has been crucial in a PSR world.