Wantaway striker Yoane Wissa will not play for Brentford today against Aston Villa.
The striker has not been named in the Bees squad for the Premier League fixture at the Gtech Community Stadium.
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Fans were taken by surprise when Wissa showed up for training earlier this week, especially since he had just deleted all references to Brentford and photos of himself in the team uniform from his Instagram.
He had previously been on strike and refused to train with his teammates as he looks to force a move to Newcastle United.
The Magpies are still looking to get that deal done, but they saw their third offer of £35million, plus a further £5m in add-ons, rejected.
They are now contemplating another bid with time running out in the transfer window, but the Bees are yet to indicate a price they would accept.
The Magpies have seen two previous offers also rejected as the Bees look to keep a hold of the DR Congo international.
Wissa has turned down offers to move to Saudi Arabia this summer and really wants to join Newcastle.
Eddie Howe’s side are looking to replace Callum Wilson, and they see Wissa as that man.
He scored 19 goals last year for Brentford, which explains why the club are so keen to keep him.
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Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Villa, Andrews had suggested that Wissa could play.
He said: “He’s been training with the team.
“In terms of being involved this weekend I’ll make a decision on the squad on Saturday. He’s been part of the group this week.”
And on his future, he said: He’s a Brentford player right now. My stance around Yoane all along is that I don’t want him to leave.
“I definitely don’t want to lose a player of such caliber, and that feeling has stayed the same throughout the entire situation. So, I hope he remains with us in the next 10 or 12 days. That is my preference.”
But ahead of the game, Andrews said: “It’s not right to involve him in the squad. The team is the focus and I felt that was the right thing to do”
What happen next?
Wissa wants to leave Brentford, Newcastle wants to sign him, but the fee is proving to be a problem.
talkSPORT understands that the striker had a gentleman’s agreement with Brentford to leave this summer.
However, with Bryan Mbeumo gone, the west Londoners want a replacement for Wissa signed.
They have brought in Dango Ouattara for £42.5million, but he is seen as Mbeumo’s replacement.
It remains to be seen if Newcastle return for Wissa.
Their star striker Alexander Isak is refusing to play as he wants to join Liverpool.
But as a result, Newcastle need a forward.
talkSPORT understands Wolves aren’t willing to sell Jorgen Strand Larsen, while Nicolas Jackson is still a target.
