Newcastle United have a decision to make regarding Anthony Elanga after having a bid rejected by Nottingham Forest.
Elanga is one of Newcastle’s top targets, with the 23-year-old emerging as the preferred winger option. This comes after the Magpies decided that Bryan Mbeumo was too expensive.
Money was always going to be the issue with Elanga too. Geordie Boot Boys recently reported that Nottingham Forest do not want to sell Elanga, which meant it would take a huge offer to tempt them into a sale.
Anthony Elanga applauds the Nottingham Forest fans during a Premier League game against West Ham United.
Photo by Jon Hobley | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
What Newcastle United must do after Nottingham Forest reject Anthony Elanga bid
That offer has now been submitted, with the Athletic’s David Ornstein providing details of the Magpies’ approach for the Sweden international.
According to the Athletic, Newcastle United have had a £45million offer for Elanga rejected by Nottingham Forest.
The report states that Forest did not provide a counter offer, with Toon officials now weighing up their next move. They will decide whether to return with an improved bid or take their search for a winger elsewhere.
How Newcastle United must respond to Anthony Elanga rejection
Forest rejecting Newcastle’s bid is a fresh reminder of the premium you must pay to sign Premier League players. £45million is not going to be enough to get Elanga to Tyneside, even though that would make him one of Newcastle’s most expensive signings ever.
Alexander Isak £63million
Sandro Tonali £55million
Anthony Gordon £45million
That leaves Eddie Howe and the rest of Newcastle’s recruitment team with a decision to make. They must decide whether they take the risk and pay what they consider to be over the odds for Elanga, a player who is ready to have an immediate impact at St James’ Park.
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Alternatively, they can take their business elsewhere. They could look abroad, although Newcastle feel the European market is inflated right now too.
Eventually, something is going to have to give. Newcastle simply must sign a right winger, as Jacob Murphy is currently all they have got in that position.
Elanga would be a great addition to the Newcastle United squad, but is he worth more than £50million? That is the question the club must ask themselves.