Eddie Howe has suggested that Newcastle United simply aren’t in a position to pay the kind of money that Nottingham Forest want for Elliot Anderson.
Last month, noted transfer insider Florian Plettenberg claimed that Anderson could cost Newcastle United between £100-£120million.
The 22-year-old has shone since leaving Newcastle United for Forest, establishing himself as a leading Premier League midfielder while working his way into the England set-up.
As such, Anderson is likely to attract a lot of interest next summer. Manchester United have also been linked with a move, though Forest are in a strong position.
Anderson is not thought to have a release clause in his contract and only signed a five-year deal at the City Ground in 2024.
Asked about his price tag, Howe delivered his verdict.
Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson looks on against Newcastle United
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Eddie Howe suggests Elliot Anderson would be too expensive for Newcastle United
The Newcastle United manager was asked about the idea of paying that much money for one player.
It would smash Newcastle’s transfer record, which stands at the £65million paid for Nick Woltemade this summer. That could rise to £69million going forward.
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While Newcastle are likely to have money to spend in January, Howe admits the club aren’t in a position to reach those levels, particularly in that window. Sadly, it’s also hard to see how they would pay such big money this summer too.
“Sentiment never comes into it – it is always about finance,” he told The Chronicle.
“We have not had any discussions on the January window.
“We’re too focused on the amount of games we have. That will take focus for now.
“Certainly paying fees like that, and I am not sure we are going to be in a position to do that. I am talking about that without any knowledge on January.
“It is just not really a window that big fees are usually paid.
Addressing future windows, Howe said: “There is always a long-term management of PSR and long-term management on our financial situation. We can’t let one transfer unbalance that.”
Newcastle United think Elliot Anderson wants to sign for them
Anderson is a boyhood Newcastle United fan and was pictured in the stands during the club’s historic win in the Carabao Cup final earlier this year.
Clearly, he’s got a huge emotional connection to the club after progressing through their academy system.
Geordie Boot Boys understands that Newcastle think Anderson would be interested in signing for them.
That is only half the battle, however. They would still need to agree a fee with Forest while potentially competing with rivals over personal terms.
At some point, perhaps Anderson will return, but it looks hugely unlikely anytime soon given the finances involved.