Nottingham Forest have had a £25 million bid rejected by Premier League rivals Brentford for Yoane Wissa while Ivan Toney is keen to secure a move to Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal.
- Exclusive from Graeme Bailey
With only three days left in the window, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are facing a race against time as they look to bring a goalscorer into their ranks.
Only Everton, Sheffield United and Burnley scored fewer than Nottingham Forest’s 49 goals in 2023/24. While the sample size is obviously very small, Forest are averaging just one-per-game this term too.
But, try as they might, the two-time European champions have found striker signings difficult to complete.
Nottingham Forest agreed a £28 million, rising to £30 million, deal with Dutch giants Feyenoord for Santiago Gimenez on Monday. However, the Mexico international reportedly has reservations about moving to the City Ground.
Forest’s pursuit of Arsenal benchwarmer Eddie Nketiah has also hit the buffers.
And, after seeing a £25 million bid turned down by Brentford, Yoane Wissa is another transfer target who could go the same way.
Brentford reject Nottingham Forest’s Yoane Wissa bid
HITC can confirm that Brentford have very little interest in letting the DR Congo international leave his West London surroundings.
One of the most underrated attackers in the Premier League, the late-blooming 27-year-old is versatile, quick, and a clinical finisher.
Wissa scored 12 goals in 29 starts last term, stepping up brilliantly during Ivan Toney’s long ban. The bargain £8.5 million signing from FC Lorient also netted one and set up the other during Brentford’s 2-1 win over London rivals Crystal Palace on the opening weekend.
Alongside Toney and the equally underrated Bryan Mbeumo, Wissa forms one third of one of the most fluid and exciting frontlines in the competition.
“I think they are super players. Wissa, we knew, has always been a goalscorer,” Bees boss Thomas Frank told The Standard in 2023. “He scored seven goals in the first season and seven in the second in the Premier League.
“For a player that didn’t play much, it’s remarkable. I definitely think he is best as a (number) nine. He’s got that nose for goals.”
Ivan Toney could move to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia
HITC have been told that, while Brentford are determined to keep hold of Wissa, they are more open to offers for talisman Toney.
While the former has two years left on his contract, the latter is due to become a free agent in less than 12 months’ time.
With proposed moves to a Premier League giant not forthcoming – Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Manchester United have turned their attention elsewhere – Toney has now informed the Brentford bosses that he is keen to make a move to the Middle East.
The England international has agreed personal terms with Al-Hilal.
But there is still a lot of work to be done before a deal cna be finalised. Brentford want £50 million, while Al-Hilal’s offer currently stands at £35 million.
As for Nottingham Forest, it remains to be seen where they turn to next if they opt to give up on Wissa, Nketiah and Gimenez for good.
They have also shown an interest in Chelsea misfit Armando Broja.
The £30 million-rated Albanian is likely to join Ipswich Town instead, however, with Portman Road boss Kieran McKenna confirming that talks are ongoing.
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