Nottingham Forest's replacement purchases for Anthony Elanga reportedly weren't their first-choices, according to reports — with the east Midlands outfit having earmarked West Ham United star Crysencio Summerville as their top target in the summer transfer window, before he snubbed the idea of a move to join the growing revolution under Evangelos Marinakis.
The report by The Athletic states that, if Forest boss Nuno Espírito Santo had things his own way, he would have seen Summerville lining up in a home shirt at the City Ground this season as a replacement for Elanga.
Report: Summerville Was 'Ideal' Elanga Replacement, he Rejected Move
West Ham United's Crysencio Summerville
Instead, Summerville tore up the East Midlands relic for the Hammers prior to the international break, assisting Jarrod Bowen for their opener in a shock 3-0 win to get the Hammers off the mark in the Premier League table.
However, with Elanga joining Newcastle United earlier in the window for an initial fee of £52million, it was indeed Summerville who they viewed as his ideal replacement. Borussia Dortmund were also interested in a deal for the Dutchman, although they were only keen to take him on loan.
Though it was Summerville who had the final say. As far as the 'unplayable' star was concerned, he didn't have any interest in leaving the London Stadium, informing his representatives that he has 'unfinished business' at West Ham. That was his sign of commitment, owing them gratitude for their continued support despite a disappointing debut campaign in the capital.
Summerville made the move from Leeds United last summer for £25million, but he only made his second appearance under Graham Potter in the win at Forest, having suffered a hamstring injury in the gaffer's first game back in January. Their support and aim to get him back on track means that Summerville won't be on his way to the City Ground - with Forest instead signing Dan Ndoye from Bologna and Omari Hutchinson from Ipswich Town.
It's been a mixed start for the duo so far; Ndoye scored a magnificent header on his debut for the Tricky Trees, and looks to be their starting choice having registered an assist away at Crystal Palace just a week later.
However, Hutchinson has only played nine minutes of football and having not been selected in their Europa League squad, it's not been the best of starts for the former Chelsea man - though he will look to change that in the coming months with the squad likely to be rotated.
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