Wolves backers ‘go out of existence’ in bombshell Strand Larsen to Newcastle twist
Newcastle United have received a big boost in their pursuit of Wolves star Jorgen Strand Larsen.
The Magpies went into the last week of the transfer window needing to bring in two strikers in order to allow the outcasted Alexander Isak to join Liverpool.
On Saturday (30 August), Newcastle confirmed the signing of Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart, for a fee of £64million.
However, Eddie Howe is still eager to add another centre-forward before the transfer window closes, and Strand Larsen is heavily linked with a move to St James’ Park.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Wolves may be forced into selling their number nine.
Wolves’ financial position comes under scrutiny
This article contains exclusive comment from Keith Wyness, former Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen CEO.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that Wolves could begin to face financial problems.
The Midlands club are owned by the Fosun group, who are starting to struggle with monetary issues in the Chinese business market.
Wyness added that this cash pressure may force Wolves to sell Strand Larsen to Newcastle.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “There’s been little attention on the financial position at Wolves. Evergrande, who were one of the biggest property companies in China, have actually gone out of existence.
“Fosun, of course, the owners of Wolves, are also potentially having severe problems as well. You’ve got to think, will that translate into cash pressure on Wolves going forward? That’s something I’ve got to keep an eye on.
“That’s where the Strand Larsen deal may get done if Wolves are having to get some cash out there. I’m not saying there’s a direct correlation yet, I’m just saying that there are some big factors in the Chinese real estate market.
“We’ve got to keep an eye on all these things, because they are connected now in terms of the business of football. Often, you’ve got to look two or three steps ahead before things start to happen. And that’s just one that I’m flagging up right now.”
Newcastle to miss out on striker signing
Meanwhile, Yoane Wissa is increasingly unlikely to complete his move to Newcastle before the transfer window closes, sources have told Football Insider.
Brentford value Wissa at over £50m, and have rejected two bids of £25m and £35m from the Tyneside club this summer.
Football Insider sources have said the Magpies are running out of time to complete any deal before the window shuts.
After the signing of Woltemade and advancements regarding the potential deal to bring in Strand Larsen, Newcastle may not make another bid for Wissa.
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