Nottingham Forest are said to have “no intention” of letting Anthony Elanga go after rejecting a bid for the winger.
The Reds fought off interest in the Sweden international last summer. And they have now rebuffed another attempt to prise him away from the City Ground.
Newcastle United have long had Elanga on their radar and have been eyeing him up once again ahead of the 2025/26 season. As was the case 12 months ago, however, they have been met with some fierce resistance from Forest.
According to The Athletic, the Reds have batted away a £45 million offer from the Magpies for Elanga. The bid was “rejected without a counter” amid Forest adopting a clear stance of having “no intention” to sell one of their star men.
Sky Sports report Newcastle are “reviewing” whether to continue their pursuit and try their luck with another offer. However, the St James’ Park outfit could also move on from Elanga as they are said to be looking at alternative wide options to target.
The Reds are said to value Elanga in the region of £60m. He is under contract Trentside until 2028 and has been a key player in the Garibaldi since his arrival from Manchester United two years ago.
Newcastle tried to snap up the 23-year-old last summer and made a last-ditch play for him on deadline day. They put forward a cash-plus-player £45m package made up of an initial £30m payment, two further £5m payments and Miguel Almiron, according to The Athletic.
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Earlier this week, it was reported the Magpies could offer Harvey Barnes in a swap deal for Elanga. Previous national reports have claimed meetings have taken place between the latter’s representatives and the Newcastle hierarchy.
Elanga has already addressed the speculation about his future. Speaking after representing his country against Hungary, he recently 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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