Newcastle United are on the brink of the transfer breakthrough they have been craving, as they close in on a deal to sign Anthony Elanga.
The 23-year-old has emerged as Newcastle United’s number one target after Joao Pedro’s move to Chelsea, with Eddie Howe eager to bring the Nottingham Forest winger to St James’ Park.
Newcastle had a £45million bid rejected for Elanga, but have now returned to the table with an improved offer. A further £10million has been put on the table, with Newcastle offering £55million for Elanga.
That is much closer to the Sweden international’s asking price, with Nottingham Forest valuing Elanga at £60million.
Anthony Elanga playing at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final for Nottingham Forest against Manchester City.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Newcastle United are ‘not far away’ from signing Anthony Elanga
Howe is extremely close to getting the man he wants, with Toon officials ‘pushing hard’ to finalise a deal. That is according to TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey, who has spoken to Geordie Boot Boys about Newcastle’s pursuit of Anthony Elanga.
“Newcastle are pushing hard,” he said.
“They firmly believe Elanga will be a very good fit and the deal is not far away now. The first big deal of the summer at St James’ Park is close.
“The deal needs to be £60million including add-ons for Forest to accept. As I say, this move is not far away.”
Newcastle United are pushing to meet Eddie Howe’s demand as Anthony Elanga nears Toon move
The Newcastle United manager will be delighted that the club are suddenly close to striking a deal for Elanga. He is a long-term target, while the Magpies have endured plenty of setbacks already in the transfer window.
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But now there could be some transfer news for Newcastle United fans to celebrate, as Steve Nickson and Andy Howe push to give the gaffer exactly what he wants.
It has been reported that Howe wants one or two signings before pre-season begins on 7th July. He has been eager for Newcastle United to move fast, which has not been the case.
However, a breakthrough is now close. While it would be a huge surprise if a deal for Elanga went through as early as Monday, he will have the luxury of spending most of the summer training with his new teammates if a transfer is completed within the next week.
That will put a smile on Howe’s face, with the Toon boss also wanting to sign a goalkeeper, a centre-back and a striker.