Director admits £76m striker wants Italy move, after Newcastle were said to be leading chase

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Newcastle desperately need to sign a new striker.

Not only is Alexander Isak pushing to join Liverpool this summer, but Newcastle also released Callum Wilson, while the 21-year-old William Osula is yet to prove himself as a reliable source of goals.

Newcastle were recently linked with a move for Randal Kolo Muani – and quite strongly at that – although Juventus have now poured cold water on that story.

Damien Comolli says there is “no rush” for Juventus to sign Randal Kolo Muani as he pushes for return

The France international spent the second half of last season on loan at Juventus from PSG, and was also granted an extension to play in the FIFA Club World Cup with the Italian giants.

The Frenchman impressed – scoring ten goals in 22 games.

Duncan Castles then claimed on The Transfers Podcast that Newcastle were leading the race to sign Muani amid doubts over the future of Isak, although Damien Comolli – General Manager at Juventus – has now said the striker is holding out for a return to Turin.

The Italian – who is currently acting Director of Football at the Allianz Stadium too – said: “Kolo Muani wants to return to Juve.

“We are talking with PSG about this transfer. Randal wants to re-join us, but there is no rush.”

PSG spent £76.4m to sign the 26-year-old from Eintracht Frankfurt back in September 2023.

Yoane Wissa is – however – keen on Newcastle

While Muani is now unlikely to join the Magpies, Yoane Wissa could make the move.

Keith Downie has just revealed that Wissa is set to sit out of training at Brentford as he tries to force a switch to Newcastle.

The reliable journalist said on YouTube: “Brentford, they return to training in the UK tomorrow. One source is telling us that Yoane Wissa will not refuse to turn up.

“He will turn up, but he will refuse to train. He’s pushing for Newcastle, I think there’s a decent chance of that happening.”

TBR Football understand Brentford want £50m for Wissa after already losing Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United – despite the DR Congo international having just 11 months left on his contract.

The Bees managed to squeeze £71m out of Manchester United for Mbeumo despite the Cameroon international being in the same boat with his contract at Brentford, so a £50m fee could well be coughed up.