Tottenham Hotspur have left the door open for Premier League rivals Newcastle United to wrap up a deal for Yoane Wissa after the surprise decision was made not to attempt to lure the Brentford star to Hotspur Way at this stage of the summer transfer window, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Spurs head coach Thomas Frank has been aiming to make the squad he inherited from predecessor Ange Postecoglou more of a threat in the attacking third of the pitch, which resulted in the Danish tactician completing the £55million acquisition of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United last week.
Although Tottenham have been threatened with legal action by Nottingham Forest following their pursuit of England international Morgan Gibbs-White, the north Londoners have been scouring the market for further potential arrivals as they prepare for a season which will include Champions League action.
Spurs Originally Expected to Enter Wissa Race
Frontman may end up joining Premier League counterparts
Tottenham have made a surprise decision by choosing not to sign Wissa, according to GMS sources, and that has allowed Newcastle to up the ante in their pursuit after they were forced to turn their attention towards alternative targets due to being unable to tempt Eintracht Frankfurt into accepting a lucrative offer for Hugo Ekitike earlier this week.
The Magpies have switched their focus to raiding Brentford, with their first-choice striker earmarked as a serious target despite it being clear that it will be difficult to agree a deal, and they have been handed a significant boost as Spurs have given no indications of preparing to go head-to-head for his signature.
GMS sources have been informed that Tottenham had been expected to enter the race for Wissa, who enjoyed a productive 2024/25 campaign at the Gtech Community Stadium, but they have not formalised their interest and are in serious danger of seeing Newcastle profit from the situation.
Frank highlighted his admiration for the Democratic Republic of Congo international when he was in charge of the west Londoners, describing him as 'unbelievable', and that resulted in it being anticipated that he would look to seal a reunion before the transfer window slams shut on September 1.
But Tottenham appear ready to let the opportunity to recruit Wissa pass them by, GMS sources have learned, meaning that Dominic Solanke and Richarlison are on course to remain the leading centre forward options as a Super Cup meeting with Paris Saint-Germain edges closer.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Yoane Wissa won four duels and registered three shots during Brentford's defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in February
Bees Remain Determined to Hold Onto Wissa
Staying at Gtech Community Stadium still an option for 28-year-old
GMS sources have been told that Brentford boss Keith Andrews is desperate to keep Wissa at the Gtech Community Stadium and the west Londoners are prepared to fight to retain his services, but influential figures behind the scenes are still surprised that their resolve has not been tested by Tottenham.
Although the 28-year-old has been keen to link-up with Frank at Spurs in a deal which could be worth £50million, having enjoyed a prolific spell under his stewardship, he is in line to be deprived of the chance to get his wish and is becoming increasingly likely to embark on a fresh challenge at Newcastle or stay in his current surroundings heading into the new season.
Magpies chief Eddie Howe and key decision-makers at St James' Park are admirers of Wissa's profile, GMS sources understand, and they pinpointed him as an option to chase if it became clear that they could not convince Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt to sanction the departure of Ekitike.
GMS sources recently revealed that Yves Bissouma is still expected to head through Spurs' exit door even though he is being very particular about who he is prepared to join, highlighting that Frank is planning to make further alterations to his squad ahead of his first campaign in the north Londoners' hot-seat.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 17/07/2025