Newcastle United are trying to sign Nottingham Forest star Anthony Elanga this summer.
Just like last summer, Newcastle United are keen on a move for Elanga.
Geordie Boot Boys understands the Sweden international has emerged as a target for Eddie Howe again, after the club decided against a move for Bryan Mbeumo.
Newcastle want to sign a new forward this summer, having let Miguel Almiron leave in January.
Though Jacob Murphy was in brilliant form under Howe last season, he cannot be expected to play every single game next time out and the Newcastle United squad lacks options on the right wing.
Forest are set to demand more than £50million for Elanga, though Newcastle have an ace up their sleeve.
Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Geordie Boot Boys spoke to TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey.
Bailey understands that while Forest are likely to make any negotiations over the Sweden international “tough”, the fact that Newcastle can offer him Champions League football could be a decisive factor.
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“Newcastle like Anthony Elanga, we know that they tried to sign him last summer,” he said.
“Elanga has then produced a brilliant season for Forest, he really was one of the best wingers in the Premier League.
“Newcastle have now missed out on their top target on Mbeumo and are looking at other options and that is Elanga.
Games Goals Assists
38 6 11
Anthony Elanga stats for Nottingham Forest in 2024/25 season
“It is true they are asking but if they are not willing to pay for Mbeumo – it is not easy to see how they could afford or if they would be willing to pay for him.
“Forest don’t really need to sell, so to get a deal for Elanga would be very tough but he is a player Eddie Howe likes, and the offer of Champions League football could be a factor in some capacity.”
While Forest enjoyed a brilliant season of their own, they will play in the Conference League next season.
What Anthony Elanga has said about joining Newcastle United
Elanga has spoken to Alexander Isak about moving to Newcastle, though that conversation came during last summer’s pursuit.
More recently, Elanga responded to Newcastle’s transfer interest, stressing he was simply not thinking about his future at this point in time.
With three years to go on his contract at the City Ground, Forest are in a very strong bargaining position.
There’s little doubt signing him won’t be easy, but Elanga is not likely to demand massive wages.
That, coupled with the fact that Newcastle can offer him Champions League football, could be deciding factors.
Almost a year after chasing him, Newcastle could finally be in a position to sign Elanga.