Newcastle United are closing in on a deal to sign Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga.
Nottingham Forest were feeling quite relaxed over Anthony Elanga’s future, but that has changed drastically over the last 24 hours.
After seeing a £45m bid rejected, Newcastle United haven’t given up in their efforts to land the Nottingham Forest attacker.
Eddie Howe and his chiefs have been persistent, and there is now hope that a £55m bid could be accepted by Evangelos Marinakis.
Forest would owe Manchester United £11m if Anthony Elanga’s sale does go through, although, there could yet be a late twist as another Premier League club are still in the race.
Anthony Elanga reacts after missing an opportunity for Nottingham Forest against Everton
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Aston Villa could hijack Nottingham Forest star Anthony Elanga from Newcastle United
Indeed, Newcastle are evidently leading the race to sign Elanga, however, there is still legwork to be done on the deal.
According to the Daily Mail, Aston Villa are still monitoring the situation and haven’t withdrawn their interest in the 23-year-old.
The West Midlanders are a lot closer to home for Elanga, so that may prove to be a decisive factor if they’re able to hijack the transfer.
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Although, Villa don’t have Champions League football to boast having missed out on the final day of the season to Newcastle, ironically.
Elanga could team up with Sweden teammate Alexander Isak
Elanga is reportedly keen on a move to Tyneside, so even if Villa match Newcastle’s bid, it seems he would still choose to join up with Howe’s men.
Alexander Isak will certainly be a pulling factor, as the pair have a close relationship after spending time together in the Sweden national team.
From a Forest perspective, Elanga’s exit will sting, but it will boost the transfer budget significantly and there is plenty of time left in the window to find a suitable replacement.
Nuno Espirito Santo has been eyeing Maghnes Akliouche, who is valued at around £50m by Monaco and regarded as one of the best young wingers on the continent.
If they can sign a replacement of that calibre, then there is plenty of reason to remain optimistic about the new season.