Top News

Newcastle have reportedly agreed personal terms with Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen as they desperately try to end the summer transfer window on a positive note.

The Magpies began their Premier League campaign without a recognised centre-forward in the squad, with Alexander Isak on strike and Callum Wilson having left on a free transfer for West Ham. Eddie Howe was forced to use winger Anthony Gordon in the position as they drew a blank In a 0-0 draw with 10-man Aston Villa on Saturday.

Newcastle have missed out Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, who both joined Chelsea, Hugo Ekitike, who signed for Liverpool, and Benjamin Sesko, who opted for Manchester United. They have also been frustrated by their pursuit of Yoane Wissa, who remains a Brentford player after a £40million bid was rejected this week.

Howe wants two strikers signed before the window closes on September 1, with uncertainty surrounding Isak after he went public with his anger at the club blocking a move to Liverpool. That has led Newcastle to target Strand Larsen, who netted 14 goals in 35 Premier League games last season.

READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal's Eze timeline, Liverpool in Guehi boost, Isak and Hojlund latest

READ MORE: Arsenal set to beat Tottenham to £68m Eberechi Eze transfer as agreement struck

The Express and Star reports that, while Newcastle are yet to hold discussions with Wolves, they have made progress with the Norway international. While he is not agitating for a move, he would be keen to play Champions League football this season and has agreed personal terms.

There remains one very obvious barrier to a deal, however, with Wolves valuing their striker at £60m. Having been on loan last season, Strand Larsen only officially joined the club on a permanent basis earlier this summer.

Wolves paid Celta Vigo £23m to turn his move into a permanent transfer having initially paid £2.5m as a loan fee. They would therefore make a huge profit on Strand Larsen, but his departure would leave manager Vitor Pereira short of options up front.

His situation is very different to that of Wissa’s. The Brentford striker has deleted all mention of his current club off his social media accounts and is desperate to force through a move to St James’ Park. But Brentford are holding firm on their £50m valuation, which has held things up.

Brentford have completed the £42.5m signing of Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth, but he is considered a replacement for Bryan Mbeumo, who left for Manchester United for £71m, not Wissa. All of this is playing out with Isak still in isolation at Newcastle, training by himself, waiting for Liverpool to return with another bid.

The Reds have not made a second offer after their initial £110m one was rejected, but Isak went public this week. “The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time,” he wrote. “To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading.

"When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can't continue. That's where things are for me right now – and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself." Newcastle released their own statement, denying the allegations while suggesting that Isak could still be reintegrated into the squad, if their valuation is not met.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.