In what would be a major boost for their transfer plans, Newcastle United are now reportedly confident of landing a bargain deal to sign an £85m star this summer.
Losing out in the race for Bryan Mbeumo and then Joao Pedro, Newcastle have struggled to land their top targets even after qualifying for the Champions League last season and now they must go back to the drawing board. The money is there for PIF to spend, as highlighted in offers for Anthony Elanga as well as Pedro, but it looks as though whoever arrives will not be Eddie Howe's top choice.
That's not to say there is no plan B, however. Since Pedro's decision to join Chelsea, Newcastle have been linked with moves for the likes of Samu Aghehowa whilst fresh reports have emerged that they're set to return with another bid for Elanga.
Signing both attacking reinforcements would quickly make their Pedro and Mbuemo failures an afterthought while handing Howe the attacking depth that he has needed for some time.
League stats 24/25 (via FBref) Anthony Elanga Samu Aghehowa
Starts 31 23
Goals 6 19
Assists 11 3
Expected Goals 4.5 14.1
The partnership that Aghehowa and Elanga could form alongside Alexander Isak is a mouth-watering prospect for those at St James' Park, who could see their side pick up where they left off after reaching the Champions League and winning the Carabao Cup last season.
Having already seen their first bid rejected for Elanga, the big question will be whether Nottingham Forest will change their stance. After qualifying for Europe themselves last season, the Tricky Trees are in no position to sell their best players and could deal Newcastle an instant blow as a result.
Elanga-Newcastle Related
[Newcastle could get "deal done" for "perfect" forward in the "next few days"](https://www.footballfancast.com/newcastle-transfers-anthony-elanga-deal-update/ "Newcastle could get "deal done" for "perfect" forward in the "next few days"")
The Magpies could finally welcome one of their transfer targets.
If that does prove to be the case, then the Magpies will be forced to turn towards their third-choice option.
Newcastle confident of landing cut-price Kudus deal
According to Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, PIF and Newcastle are confident of landing a cut-price deal to sign Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United this summer. The Hammers reportedly need to sell their winger in the coming months, which should see his price-tag drop from his £85m release clause towards a far more affordable price.
kudus-west-ham-united
Leaving Newcastle to take full advantage, Kudus represents an excellent Elanga alternative - especially if he rediscovered his most clinical form at St James' Park following a tough season in London.
Premier League stats 24/25 (via FBref) Elanga Kudus
Starts 31 31
Goals 6 5
Assists 11 3
Successful Take-ons 25 92
Key Passes 50 31
Although Elanga outperformed Kudus on the output front last season, Kudus still stood out at times in a struggling West Ham side and his direct take-on success would provide Newcastle with a unique ball-carrier next season.
Even as the Hammers stuttered, manager Graham Potter was full of praise for his winger, telling reporters in March: “Speaking personally, he’s been great with us in terms of how he’s worked every day, fantastic. He has built his fitness up, built his condition up to the point where he can sustain things a lot better now."