Newcastle United have made their first ‘major play’ of the summer transfer market, according to a new report on Friday evening.
According to an exclusive from The Mail’s Craig Hope, Newcastle United have made contact with Nottingham Forest over a a move for winger Anthony Elanga.
He reports that discussions are at an ‘early stage’ after an initial enquiry, but the club are now pursuing a deal that could see the 23-year-old arrive on Tyneside this summer.
Forest are expected to demand a significant fee for the former Man Utd talent should he express a desire to go, with the wide man bagging six goals and 12 assists in all competitions last season.
Eddie Howe is said to be a ‘big admirer’ of the Swedish international, who Newcastle attempted to sign last summer following a series of deadline day bids.
Hope reports that a deal ‘never got close’ last August, with a £35m starting bid turned down. A full season later, it’s thought a fee ‘upwards of £50m’ would be needed to land Alexander Isak’s international teammate.
Elanga ticks plenty of boxes in terms of his pace, ability to beat a man, pressing and versatility, with the winger able to play down either flank, much like Anthony Gordon.
He was superb last season and, based on every interview I’ve seen him in, comes across as a good, humble character who would fit into the group well.
My only concern is he isn’t that left-footed right winger who will cut in and produce moments of magic. Superb on the counter with frightening pace, however, he was part of a Forest side that often struggled to break down low blocks last season.
Howe could take him to the next level, but I do wonder if better value options with higher ceilings could exist abroad, especially if it would take over £50m to sign him.
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