Yoane Wissa could be set for a stunning return to action for Brentford if their latest training footage is anything to go by.
It comes after Newcastle saw an improved offer for the forward rejected this week.
Wissa was not included in the matchday squad for the Bees’ season opener at Nottingham Forest last weekend.
However, he has been in training with Keith Andrews’ side this week.
Brentford host Aston Villa on Saturday in their second match of the new Premier League campaign.
Wissa features in training ground footage shared to the club’s social media on Thursday ahead of the contest.
The 28-year-old has not played for the club since the final day of last season having missed all of their pre-season fixtures.
Despite that, he was included in a video from Brentford training, with the clip showing Wissa taking a shot at goal.
Alongside the video, the caption read: “All intentions on Villa.”
Wissa has been attempting to force a move away from the Gtech Community Stadium throughout the summer.
Newcastle have shown continued interest in the DR Congo international but are yet to meet Brentford’s valuation.
Their latest bid of £40million was immediately knocked back on Wednesday.
The approach consisted of an initial £35million plus a further £5million in add-ons.
However, the Bees have refused to budge from their £50million asking price to let Wissa leave.
The player has also made his feelings known on social media after unfollowing the club’s official accounts.
Wissa is into the final year of his contract and could leave for free at the end of the campaign.
Since joining Brentford in 2021, he has scored 49 goals in 149 appearances.
Those strikes include 19 in the Premier League last season as the club finished tenth.
What’s been said about Wissa’s situation?
Andrews addressed Wissa’s future ahead of Sunday’s defeat to Forest.
Prior to the match, he confirmed the striker would not be included in the matchday squad due to his disrupted pre-season campaign.
The new Bees boss added: “[I’m] very clear on the situation. As a head coach, I want Yoane in the building, to be a part of the first-team and the squad.
“I see that moving forwards but I am very understanding of his situation.
“I have a very good relationship with him, and that will persist, but we have to focus on the players who are ready to play and perform on Sunday and I don’t think Yoane’s in that space.”
Andrews was appointed Brentford manager in June on a three-year deal following Thomas Frank’s departure to join Tottenham Hotspur.