Last night, Anthony Elanga was linked with a move to Newcastle United once again, with a Craig Hope exclusive revealing that we’re back in talks with Nottingham Forest.
Having previously been the subject of a dramatic deadline day bid from the Magpies last August, which was immediately rejected by the Reds, we’ve now reignited our interest in the £50m-rated winger.
The Swedish media clearly picked up on the rumours and didn’t take long to ask the man himself about reports of a potential move to St James’ Park on Friday evening.
Currently on international duty with the Swedish National Team, Elanga started in Sweden’s 2-0 away win over Hungary, deputising up top for Alexander Isak; who missed due to a niggling groin issue.
Speaking to the media after the game, the former Manchester United youngster was asked about the rumours linking him with a move to the North East.
But Elanga emphasised that he’s just focusing on playing for his country at the time being, despite seeming flattered by our interest in a previous interview.
> _”There is a lot of talk (about a move to Newcaslte). I focus on what I can do and my focus today was on the match.”_
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> _“In football there are always rumours. The most important thing is that I focus on what I can control.”_
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> _“I guess there will always be scouts wherever I play. As long as I stay focused and do my best in the match. I just keep my focus and what I can control._
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> _“That’s what I can do on and off the field. I focus on the next day and action. That’s what I can do.”_
A routine response, but a committed, football-focused mindset helps answer the question as to why Howe and the club hierarchy rate Elanga so highly, with the 23-year-old not only a talented player but a well-liked character.
Many fans will be hoping that Elanga’s strong friendship with compatriot Isak could help convince him to switch the City Ground for St James’ Park.
And it’s not just Isak either, as Will Osula can often be found in Instagram comments joking with Elanga, even over a potential move.
When asked if he’d heard from Isak regarding the rumours, Elanga joked: “He must have tried to call me about the match, that I should have scored!”
Snatching one of the star players of a European rival won’t be easy nor cheap, but with Bryan Mbeumo seemingly out of the question in terms of a transfer, Elanga is an excellent alternative.