TBR Football can exclusively confirm the latest involving Nottingham Forest’s pursuit of a replacement for Anthony Elanga.
Nottingham Forest have just completed the sale of Anthony Elanga to Newcastle United for around £55million.
The Reds have since set their sights on PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko, who is sought after by no fewer than seven clubs across Europe.
TBR Football can reveal where Forest stand in pursuit of Bakayoko and how likely he is to link up with the City Ground outfit.
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo
Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
Nottingham Forest ‘most advanced’ for Johan Bakayoko
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has reiterated that Forest are the most advanced club in pursuit of Bakayoko – they have liked him for months.
Bournemouth, Brentford and West Ham have all shown an interest, and we can include Everton too.
Newcastle had Bakayoko on their list before signing Elanga, while Liverpool have always been fans of the 22-year-old.
RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen and Atalanta are also keen – but sources believe an English move is the most likely outcome.
We are told that a deal for Bakayoko is likely at around €25million (£22million) all in.
Bakayoko, who has been described as an ‘elite’ attacker, was previously linked with the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
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Why Johan Bakayoko to Nottingham Forest may not be so straightforward
Although Forest lead the race for Bakayoko, it’s not a foregone conclusion by any means.
Bailey has confirmed that intermediaries are working hard to give Bakayoko as many options as possible, and then he could have a big decision to make.
“Johan Bakayoko has been on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs for a long time – a number of years,” Bailey exclusively told TBR Football.
“He has not had that chance yet – but that is going to change this summer.
“Newcastle were long-term admirers and did a lot of work on him but they went for Premier League experience with Anthony Elanga, whilst Liverpool always appreciated him.
“But there is a very good chance he could now help replace Elanga at the City Ground and as we confirmed, talks have advanced.
“However, intermediaries are doing their work and making other clubs aware of the situation and Bakayoko could have a decision to make – he is not short of options.”