Luke Edwards has provided a fresh update on Newcastle United’s efforts to sign Anthony Elanga and James Trafford ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
The Magpies have seemingly put a quiet June behind them and have taken their efforts to sign players up a notch in the last week.
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is looking to improve several positions this summer, with a new goalkeeper, right-sided centre-back, right-winger and striker understood to be the positions that are most in need of improvement.
It has been widely reported that Newcastle have placed a £55m bid for Anthony Elanga, an offer that has been well-received by Nottingham Forest. The belief is now that add-ons need to be finalised before the deal can go through.
Elsewhere, James Trafford has agreed personal terms with Newcastle ahead of a move from Burnley. The Clarets’ valuation of the 22-year-old is yet to be met by the Magpies.
With Newcastle eyeing a £85m double deal, journalist Luke Edwards has provided a fresh update on the Magpies’ hunt for new players.
James Trafford looks on during a Championship game between Burnley and Stoke City.
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
Newcastle United are struggling to get Anthony Elanga and James Trafford deals done
Unfortunately, it remains the case that Newcastle cannot get the deals they are hoping for over the line. The Magpies appear to be well-positioned to get them done, but it is not happening as quickly as fans would have liked.
It appears that Forest are expecting Elanga to join Newcastle, as they have identified Johan Bakayoko as their first-choice target to replace him.
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Burnley have already signed Trafford’s replacement, so they are well aware that he is likely to go. Despite that, things have slowed down over the last few days, especially with Trafford. Last week saw Burnley reject a £26m bid from Newcastle for Trafford, with Scott Parker’s side eager to get closer to £40m for him.
Newcastle fans have been given a new transfer update by Luke Edwards, who took to the social media platform X to say: “Newcastle are still finding it tough to get deals over the line and progress is slow. It’s not anybody’s fault as such, it’s just hard work at the moment. Interest in Elanga and Trafford ongoing. As I said last month, they like Scalvini at Atalanta but there is a lot of competition. Everyone wants a breakthrough but try to stay calm.”
Newcastle United fans also learn Giorgio Scalvini’s chances of joining
Edwards was one of the first to report that Newcastle were interested in Giorgio Scalvini. The defender barely played last season due to injury, but Newcastle believe they can still have him forge a brilliant career on Tyneside.
Reports in Italy stated that Atalanta see Scalvini as ‘unsellable‘ with the Bergamo-based club recognising his potential.
Since then, Edwards has stated that Newcastle are big admirers of Scalvini, but there are several other clubs interested in his signature. In the end, Edwards has called for calm amongst the fanbase, but it is clear to see many are getting restless at the lack of arrivals at Newcastle.
The defender has not made any public comment on his future, but admitted that he would like to join the Premier League in a 2023 interview.
Scalvini said: “For me it’s the best league there is, for the intensity. Once in my career, I don’t even know when, I’d like to play there.”