Liverpool favourite now set to join Newcastle United

A favourite admired by Liverpool's scouting department is now on the verge of joining Newcastle.

So much of what happens in this window has been impacted by the movement of the Magpies for the Reds.

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It was very clear from the beginning that Liverpool wanted to sign Alexander Isak. What was less clear is that they didn't just want Isak but also Hugo Ekitike.

When Newcastle tried to pounce on the Frenchman, Liverpool swooped in and completed that deal. Inadvertently that has had a delay on Newcastle's acceptance to part ways with Isak.

After missing out on Ekitike, Newcastle have missed out on Benjamin Sesko as well. Right now Eddie Howe's side are making other moves, and it looks like at least one deal is close to being completed.

It's a deal that will have admiration from Liverpool's scouting department.

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According to Sky Sports' Keith Downie, Newcastle are now closing in on a deal for Yoane Wissa. The Brentford forward has made it clear he wants to leave the club and a move now looks likely for him.

This is a move that will pique Liverpool's interest. Not just because it has ramifications for Isak but also because Wissa is very much a player admired by the club's scouting department.

Ian Graham highlighted this in his book: How to Win the Premier League. In an excerpt praising the statistical evolution at Brentford, Graham noted Wissa as one of the best signings the club has made using data:

"Yoane Wissa had been brilliant in Ligue 2 then in Ligue 1 for years - in 2012 he would have been on Liverpool's shortlist but when he moved to Brentford, we had the luxury of shopping in more expensive markets," Graham said.

Since then Liverpool's admiration has not gone away. Wissa was linked as an alternative to Isak by the reputable BBC.

Soon to be 29-years-old, Wissa is probably not of the usual profile Liverpool would sign. However, it's interesting that he was also on the club's radar, not just while he was in Ligue 2 but even as recently as this summer.

For now, the main focus here for the club will be the fact that Wissa's imminent move to Newcastle could move the needle for the Reds to complete a move for Isak.

Obviously, Wissa is not the only player who is needed to arrive at the Magpies. But he's one part of the domino effect that will move the door open for Isak to leave.

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