Newcastle United remain in pursuit of Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, and Sky Sports’ Keith Downie believes the Magpies are edging closer to a deal.
A £45 million bid from Newcastle was rejected last week, with Forest holding out for £60 million. Downie, reporting from outside St James’ Park, said he expects Newcastle to return soon with an improved offer.
“All the noises are that Elanga is the number one choice,” Downie said. “Of course, that was Bryan Mbeumo, but it’s now been moved to Elanga, and I can see him being perfect for Eddie Howe’s style.”
Downie said Newcastle are not facing competition from other clubs and that Elanga is open to the move.
“I feel that deal will get done,” Downie said. “Newcastle aren’t in competition with anyone and they know that they are close in terms of the fee. I think the player would be happy to move here from what I’m being told. And it’s a case of Newcastle coming up with the numbers.”
The winger, signed by Forest from Manchester United last summer, is believed to be Newcastle’s primary right-wing target after interest in Brentford’s Mbeumo cooled with the forward set for a Manchester United move.
“They offered £45m last week but Forest want £60m,” Downie said. “I feel if Newcastle split the difference and offered £52–53m, they’d get the deal done, and I’d hope there will be some movement on that in the next few days.”
With João Pedro heading to Chelsea and James Trafford expected to arrive in Tyneside from Burnley, Newcastle could soon shift focus back to Elanga as the window unfolds.