Newcastle are working actively to bolster their squad ahead of the new season after dramatically qualifying for the Champions League on the final day of the season.
Eddie Howe has been planning to strengthen across several positions, including a new wide attacker, a goalkeeper and a new striker.
Newcastle’s top three targets so far have been Joao Pedro, James Trafford and Anthony Elanga.
TBR Football reported on Saturday that the Magpies had a £50m bid rejected for Pedro. It was also reported last week that Newcastle had a £45m bid turned down for Elanga earlier this week.
Anthony Elanga in action for Nottingham Forest vs West Ham
Photo by Jon Hobley | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Newcastle preparing £50m for Anthony Elanga
Despite seeing an initial bid rejected, it is reported that the Magpies are preparing an improved bid for Elanga.
According to The Sun, Newcastle are readying a £50m bid for the former Man United player, as part of a £140m triple deal.
The report suggests that the club are ready to step up efforts to see through deals for all three: Pedro, Trafford and Elanga.
TBR Football has previously reported that Nottingham are seeking a fee in excess of £60m for the Swede, which means the £50m bid is likely to be rejected as well.
However, the valuation gap between what Newcastle are willing to pay and what Forest are asking for is not much, and a deal is likely to be eventually agreed upon.
Anthony Elanga would love to play with Alexander Isak
Signing Elanga would see him link with fellow countryman Alexander Isak, who is the main star at Newcastle.
The ‘electric‘ star has a great chemistry with the striker and has previously spoken about a potential partnership with Isak.
He has also admitted that Isak has spoken to him about a potential move to Newcastle, with Elanga not ruling it out.
Speaking about Newcastle’s interest as quoted by Swedish website Fotboll Skanalen, Elanga said: “The environment in Nottingham is good. It is clear that you can see that Newcastle are interested, it means that I am playing good football when a big club shows interest.
“But Nottingham is also a big club, they have won two Champions Leagues, even though it was before I was born. But I’m happy in Nottingham and have a contract there.
“I’m focusing on Nottingham and hope to have a good season, then we’ll see what happens. Isak talked to me about it.
But I said the same to him as I say to you. We have a good relationship and good chemistry when we play together. But I have a contract with Nottingham.”