Newcastle United have now seen a £45m bid rejected by Nottingham Forest for Anthony Elanga.
Eddie Howe is eager to sign a new winger, and has made his move for the Sweden international after an impressive 2024/25 campaign, in which he scored six goals and provided 11 assists in 38 appearances to help Nottingham Forest finish seventh in the Premier League.
This is not the first time the Magpies have tried – Newcastle United made a £50m bid for Elanga in August 2024, but that was also rejected having arrived too late on transfer deadline day.
After that particular offer, Anthony Elanga spoke to Fotbollskanalen about Newcastle United and also Alexander Isak – who plays alongside him for Sweden.
Anthony Elanga talked up partnership with Alexander Isak
Reading between the lines, the Nottingham Forest No.21 seemed quite open to a move to Tyneside, saying he would “see what happens” when the 2024/25 campaign ended, which it now has.
In September 2024, Elanga – who Arsenal also like – said: “Isak talked to me about it (the bid) but I said the same to him as I say to you. I’m focusing on Nottingham and hope to have a good season, then we’ll see what happens.
“We have a good relationship and good chemistry when we play together, but I have a contract with Nottingham.”
Elanga and Isak – who Liverpool want – have previously played 12 games together for Sweden, winning five and losing seven while failing to combine for a single goal involvement.
What Nottingham Forest sources are saying after £45m bid from Newcastle United
Graeme Bailey – Chief Correspondent for TBR Football – has now shared what those at the City Ground are saying about the bid from Newcastle United.
Bailey says: “Forest have little intention of losing any of their star men this summer and are looking to back Nuno (Espirito Santo) – who has just committed to a new contract. Elanga is a long-term target for Newcastle and they tried to land him last summer.
“However, Forest have dismissed the attempt out of hand. Forest sources insist they have not spoken to Newcastle about Elanga and are not looking to – there is no price tag on his head.”
It is understood that a bid of at least £63m – the same fee Manchester United spent to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves – would need to be submitted to make Nottingham Forest even consider changing that stance, so there is clearly a significant gap in valuation between the Reds and the Magpies.