Yoane Wissa transfer state of play - what we know so far as Nottingham Forest target striker
Deadline day is just around the corner and it has the makings of being an interesting end to the winter window for Nottingham Forest.
It has been a quiet January for the Reds and it is unlikely there will be a flurry of business before Monday’s 11pm cut-off. Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has made clear the club will only consider “special” targets and will not splash the cash for the sake of it.
Brentford striker Yoane Wissa is one of the players Forest have had on their radar but it remains to be seen if a deal gets done. Below, we take a look at how things have unfolded so far and what has been said.
READ MORE: Nottingham Forest rivals could offer transfer solution but withering verdict poses stumbling block
READ MORE: Evangelos Marinakis makes 'crucial' decision as Nottingham Forest look to maintain European charge
Why do the Reds want him?
Forest went into this window with a strong squad already in place. As such, they have faced a difficult balancing act between looking to bolster Nuno’s options and potentially disrupting those solid foundations by doing too much work.
The only real area of the pitch in need of some attention is up front. Chris Wood has been in superb form this season but he could do with some help on the goalscoring front. Wissa would certainly do that as he definitely knows how to find the back of the net.
Taiwo Awoniyi is the only other out-and-out forward in the dressing room and he is yet to really get going this term. Nuno has backed the Nigerian to get back to his best, though.
What has happened so far?
The Reds have already had one bid for Wissa rejected. Their initial offer was said to be in the region of £18-22 million.
They have been tipped to try their luck again but it seems they might have a fight on their hands to prise the 28-year-old away. There has been talk of Brentford placing a £40 million price tag on the player’s head.
What has been said?
Bees boss Thomas Frank has been consistent in his stance on Wissa. He has always maintained one of his key men is not for sale.
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 the front man.
“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 was asked about Wissa ahead of the Reds’ trip to Bournemouth. However, as is usual when it comes to discussing specific targets, he gave nothing away.
“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,” he said when quizzed on the Bees man.
What about Wissa?
Earlier this week, 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.”
Anyone else interested?
Tottenham Hotspur have been linked. Foot Mercato reported a few days ago that Spurs had “entered the race” for Wissa ahead of deadline day.
The Reds’ Premier League rivals are said to have “initiated contact” with Brentford and have also made the player himself aware of their “interest”. The report states it is the kind of information “that will shake up the Premier League” ahead of the window closing.
