Nottingham Forest are said to have made their stance over Anthony Elanga clear amid interest from Newcastle United.
The Magpies have their eye on the winger one again after being thwarted in their efforts to land him 12 months ago. But as was the case last summer, they look set to come up against some steadfast resolve from the Reds.
Forest rejected an offer from Newcastle for Elanga on deadline day last summer. If another one is put forward in the coming weeks, it might be that it elicits a similar response.
According to The Telegraph, the Reds “want to keep” the £50 million-rated Sweden international. The club are said to have “denied there has been any direct contact” with the Magpies as it stands.
It comes after TEAMtalk reported “multiple meetings” had taken place between Elanga’s representatives and the Newcastle hierarchy. The Daily Mail had also claimed Magpies representatives had been in Nottingham recently.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is said to be keen to get deals done early this summer. The Telegraph state Elanga and Brighton and Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro have “moved ahead of” previous targets Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo in the St James’ Park side’s transfer discussions.
Amid the speculation, Newcastle fans have been quick to pick up on Elanga commenting on Instagram posts of Magpies forward William Osula. The pair are said to be good friends.
When Osula posted about qualifying for the quarter-finals of the European Under-21 Championship with Denmark, Elanga replied: “Not gonna say too much… keep going ma boy.” One supported noted: "Is this a sign Elanga matey?"
Elanga recently addressed the transfer rumours. Speaking after representing his country against Hungary, he told the Swedish media: “There is a lot of talk. I focus on what I can do and my focus today was on the match.
“In football there are always rumours. The most important thing is that I focus on what I can control.
“I guess there will always be scouts wherever I play. As long as I stay focused and do my best in the match, I just keep my focus and what I can control. That's what I can do on and off the field. I focus on the next day and action. That's what I can do.”
The 23-year-old is under contract until 2028. Forest are under no pressure to sell their prized assets this summer and will be eager to keep the core of head coach Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad together as they prepare to compete in the UEFA Conference League.
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