SOLNA, SWEDEN - MARCH 25: Anthony Elanga of Sweden celebrates with teammate Alexander Isak after scoring 5-0 during the International Friendly match between Sweden and Northern Ireland at Strawberry Arena on March 25, 2025 in Solna, Sweden. (Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images)
Newcastle United transfer target Anthony Elanga has hinted at receiving a phone call from Toon favourite and fellow Sweden star, Alexander Isak, as speculation ramps up over the future of the Nottingham Forest winger.
Elanga has been linked with Newcastle once again after the Magpies missed out on his signature when launching an 11th-hour bid to sign the player on Deadline Day last summer.
Elanga has been away with Sweden in recent days and led the line for Jon Dahl Tomasson's side in the absence of Isak and Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres in a 2-0 win over Hungary. Quizzed after the game, by Fotbollskanalen, as to whether there had been any contact with Isak, Elanga quipped: "He must have tried to call me about the match, [saying] that I should have scored.”
Elanga has never shied away from talking about speculation surrounding a potential City Ground exit, name-checking Newcastle on multiple occasions in the past. The youngster, formerly at Manchester United, shares a great relationship with Isak, along with St James' Park defender and fellow Swede, Emil Krafth.
Speaking in September 2024, he said: "Isak talked to me about it. But I said the same to him as I say to you. We have a good relationship and good chemistry when we play together. But I have a contract with Nottingham."
United will have to pay in the region of £50m to land the 23-year-old, who still has over three years to run on his Forest contract. The club are in a strong position and are not thought to need to sell to meet any PSR issues this month.
Elanga will miss Sweden's upcoming clash with Algeria due to 'personal reasons' said to be unrelated to interest in his services. The wide man informed Tomasson of his decision before the latest round of international fixtures kicked off.
Meanwhile, Newcastle's renewed interest comes as club chiefs seek to bolster Eddie Howe's attacking ranks with a right-sided forward; the only position not strengthened since the 2021 takeover. Brighton's Joao Pedro is also being linked with a move to Tyneside this summer.
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