Report: Delight for Nuno Espirito Santo as Nottingham Forest given shock boost in pursuit of Yoane Wissa

Yesterday at 04:30 AM

Nottingham Forest’s interest in Yoane Wissa has been well documented, but the latest update has given the club the potential to truly test Brentford’s resolve.

Forest were linked with Wissa as the ideal support for the prolific Chris Wood, whose 13 Premier League goals have propelled his side into an unlikely fight for Champions League football.

However, Brentford were set for a quiet January window which suggested that Nuno Espirito Santo would have to move on from the Congolese forward.

Other attacking options have been continuously linked for the Forest manager, with Forest’s interest in Luiz Henrique seemingly confirming that Evangelos Marinakis had resided to not being able to tempt Wissa up to Nottinghamshire.

According to one recent report, though, it seems that the Forest owner may still have a shot at securing the Brentford man due to a surprising stance from the London club.

Brentford could consider offers for Yoane Wissa

In a report by the Daily Mail, Forest’s interest in Wissa was discussed alongside speculation about Wissa’s strike partner, Bryan Mbuemo, leading to a surprise admission from the West London club.

The report said: “Forest are showing a strong interest in Brentford forward Yoane Wissa in the final fortnight of the January transfer window.

“Wissa has been one of the best attackers in the Premier League this term, with 11 goals and two assists, and is coveted by a number of top clubs. 

“Though Bees boss Thomas Frank has ruled out selling Wissa’s strike partner Bryan Mbeumo this month, it is thought the club may consider offers for Wissa.”

Perhaps Wissa’s age has made Brentford more willing to discuss his departure but his vital goalscoring contribution makes it surprising that they’d consider selling him.

Wissa’s versatility appeals to Forest too, as the 28-year-old can produce similarly strong performances out wide as well as centrally, making him the ideal profile for Espirito Santo’s Forest squad.

Unfortunately, though, there is still doubt over the potential to see a deal for Wissa go over the line due to the added factor of Taiwo Awoniyi’s future.

Taiwo Awoniyi remains a stumbling block in the Yoane Wissa deal

The report continued, casting doubt on Forest’s ability to aggressively pursue Wissa due to the ongoing saga of Awoniyi’s future.

It said: “Though Forest are keen [on Wissa], their movement in the market is dependent on finding a buyer for Taiwo Awoniyi

Despite interest from West Ham, Forest want to keep Awoniyi as he remains a willing and reliable backup to Wood. West Ham have also looked away from Awoniyi and began to prioritise other options, removing any active interest in the Nigerian forward.

Espirito Santo is clearly desperate for more attacking flair at the City Ground but if Awoniyi is to stay, the budget and capacity in the squad is dramatically tightened.

It remains to be seen whether the Forest owner will still test the waters with a bid for Wissa, but it seems that the deal is only possible if interest returned for Awoniyi.