Newcastle have gone all in on a 'diamond' to save their season

To those who have worked with him closely, Yoane Wissa makes an unlikely poster boy for the ills of modern football.

“A diamond” is how one associate describes him. “Really nice guy,” is a succinct summary from another.

Phil Giles, the Brentford director of football who sparred with Wissa’s agent during a summer standoff over his transfer to Newcastle United, calls him an “infectious character” who was “positive with players and fans” during his time in West London.

Indeed, the pair are back on speaking terms and all appears to be forgiven after a summer of friction as Wissa tried to force his way out the club.

Those character references should assuage any concerns on Tyneside about the calibre of person Newcastle United recruited on Monday to fill the No 9 shirt.

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