Newcastle United are said to be ready to propose a swap deal in their pursuit of Nottingham Forest ace Anthony Elanga.
The Reds winger remains on the Magpies ’ wish list after they tried to lure him from the City Ground 12 months ago. Back then a deadline day bid for the 23-year-old was roundly rejected by Forest, but it seems Newcastle are ready to try their luck again.
After a superb season for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, Elanga is once again a wanted man. The Reds’ resolve to retain his services could well be tested in the coming weeks.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has his sights set on the Sweden international. According to TEAMtalk, the Magpies are ready to offload Harvey Barnes in a bid “to make any deal” happen.
The former Leicester City wide man, who Aston Villa are reportedly keeping tabs on, could be used as a “possible makeweight” in negotiations between the two clubs. It is said Newcastle offering Barnes to Forest would "significantly" reduce Elanga’s price tag.
The Reds are under no financial pressure to sell their prized assets this summer and Elanga is under contract until 2028. A £50 million valuation has been mooted, with Forest not prepared to let one of their star men go “without a fight”.
TEAMtalk claim Elanga is “keen” on heading to St James’ Park. The opportunity to play in the Champions League is said to be a considerable draw and would be a “pivotal factor” in any decision on his future.
However, the former Manchester United man is reportedly “waiting to see” what happens regarding Newcastle’s interest in Joao Pedro. The Brighton and Hove Albion forward is wanted by the Magpies and Chelsea, with the latter said to be his preferred option.
TEAMtalk previously 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.
Earlier this month, Elanga 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.”
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