JORGEN STRAND LARSEN remains a target for Newcastle United as they continue to search for a new striker.
Brentford’s wantaway Yoane Wissa is still their No1 priority as the 28-year-old tries to force through a move.
However, Eddie Howe still has a list of other names he wants as he looks to bring in TWO new forwards ahead of next month’s transfer deadline.
And Wolves’ Norwegian international, 25, is one of the small group they are considering a swoop for.
Toon already know that, like Wissa, Strand Larsen is keen on a potential move to St. James’ Park and playing Champions League football.
However, unlike the Bees ace, he is not pushing to leave Wolves and won’t be agitating for an exit.
Newcastle are yet to firm up their interest with a formal bid or even an official approach to open negotiations with the Molineux outfit.
However, discussions have taken place between intermediaries where it has been made known that Strand Larsen is open to the move.
The 6ft 4in forward is an attractive option and is already proven in the Premier League after scoring 14 goals in 35 top-flight matches last term while on loan from Celta Vigo.
That form led to Wolves paying £23m to turn that into a permanent transfer having initially paid £2.5m for a loan fee.
And Vítor Pereira’s side would want to make a significant profit on that in order to convince them to sell.
While Strand Larsen continues to be monitored, Newcastle are still waiting on Wissa as the hotshot’s relationship with Brentford continues to turn sour.
He stepped up his efforts to leave by telling the Bees he did not plan to play for them again — just like Toon’s own wantaway Alexander Isak, who is hoping to join Liverpool.
Wissa deleted all mentions and photos of the Bees from his social media profiles as they continue to refuse the DR Congo ace, who only has a year left on his contract, go unless they can sign a replacement.
Newcastle are launching an improved £35million bid for Wissa this week, having already had a £30m offer knocked back, and are demanding north of £50m.
Confidence was mounting within St James’ Park that they would land Wissa in time to unleash him against Liverpool on Monday.
That intensified when they completed the £42.5m signing of Dango Ouattara, 23, from Bournemouth but the Burkina Faso star is viewed as a replacement for 26-year-old Bryan Mbeumo, who joined Manchester United in a £71m deal.
That left Wissa, who missed the opening day defeat at Nottingham Forest, fuming.
Brentford’s refusal to sell is the latest setback in Newcastle’s mission to sign a new striker having already missed out on Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko.
Toon’s goalless draw at Aston Villa saw them kick-off their campaign without a recognised forward due to Isak’s refusal to play.
And if they cannot get Wissa over the line, the chances of Isak, 25, going to the Reds — who failed with a £110m offer — will drastically reduce.
And the Magpies’ need for a new striker was evident as they failed to turn their dominance into three points as they drew 0-0 at Aston Villa.
Isak, who has faced disciplinary action after missing their opener, remains intent on holding out for a mega-money move to Premier League champs Liverpool.
But Toon were already looking for a new forward before that saga unfolded to fill the void left by Callum Wilson’s departure.
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