Yoane Wissa responds to Nottingham Forest interest with transfer tease
Striker Yoane Wissa has addressed Nottingham Forest’s interest in him as the transfer window deadline approaches.
Strengthening head coach Nuno Espirito Santo’s attacking options before the February 3 cut-off is a priority for the Reds. Brentford front man Wissa is on their wish-list, although it remains to be seen whether a deal can get done.
Forest have already had one bid, said to be in the region of £18-22 million, for the 28-year-old rejected. Reports have suggested a second offer is likely to be put forward, despite Bees boss Thomas Frank’s insistence the player is not for sale.
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Wissa has confirmed the interest from the Reds, which has been there since last summer. But he has made clear he is firmly focused on Brentford as he looks to add to his 12-goal haul for the season so far.
Journalist Lee-Roy Kabeya posted a clip on X of an interview with Wissa for Canal+ Sport Africa. The DR Congo international is asked about Forest’s interest and whether there is a possible transfer in progress.
Wissa’s reply translates as: “There is an interest, there is an interest. Possible transfers in progress, I cannot say. But it’s true that there has been interest since this summer. They are having a very good season and I too am continuing my momentum. It's true that for the moment I'm focused on Brentford but we'll see what happens.”
Earlier in the window, Frank said a move for Wissa “will not happen”. And last week, he reiterated Brentford’s intention to hang on to one of their key players.
“There is a lot of rumours,” he said. “For me, again he is a Brentford player and in my opinion Wissa is not for sale. He has been our leading number nine and done fantastic, so I cannot see why we should sell him."
Nuno gave nothing away when he was asked about Wissa in his pre-match press conference last week. He stressed the club will only target players who can improve the squad and who want to make the move to the City Ground.
“The answer is the same. Only players - and it is not easy - who can improve us as a squad, because our players are working very well,” Nuno said when asked about Wissa.
