After weeks of a tense transfer standoff, Newcastle United's pursuit of Yoane Wissa appears to be moving towards a conclusion, thanks to a complex transfer domino effect started by another Premier League club.
The key to unlocking Wissa's move from Brentford now lies with Bournemouth, who are reportedly finalising a deal for Bayer Leverkusen winger Amine Adli.
Wissa, 28, has been at the centre of a bitter summer saga, reportedly refusing to train with the first team at Brentford after his desire to join Newcastle was blocked.
The main stumbling block has been Brentford's insistence on securing a replacement before sanctioning the departure of their star forward, who netted 19 Premier League goals last season.
But a chain reaction of transfers appears to be providing a solution.
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The First Domino: Bournemouth Sign Amine Adli
The initial piece of the puzzle is now in place.
According to Ben Jacobs, Bournemouth have reached a verbal agreement with Amine Adli and are in advanced talks with Bayer Leverkusen for a fee in the region of €30m (£25.3m).
Adli's arrival would bolster Bournemouth's attack and, crucially, open up the possibility of a player departure.
The Second Domino: Ouattara to Brentford
With Adli's arrival imminent, Bournemouth will reportedly be more open to letting players go.
This is a crucial detail for Brentford, who have identified Bournemouth forward Dango Ouattara as their prime target to replace Wissa.
The Bees are in advanced talks for Ouattara, a player who has made it clear he would be keen on a move to the club.
The Third Domino: Wissa to Newcastle
With a replacement for Wissa now seemingly lined up, Brentford's resolve to keep an unhappy Wissa has reportedly softened.
Newcastle, who have already seen a £25 million bid rejected, are now reportedly "closing in" on a deal for the striker, with The Guardian and Sky Sports both suggesting that a deal is "expected to be concluded this week."
The fee is thought to be in the region of £35 million to £40 million, a price tag that Newcastle is now more willing to meet.
This three-player domino effect is a perfect example of how interconnected the transfer market has become.
For Newcastle, who have been struggling to find a replacement for Alexander Isak, this chain reaction is a blessing.
It provides them with a clear path to sign a proven, high-calibre Premier League striker, finally bringing an end to one of the summer's most persistent transfer sagas.
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