Anthony Elanga during the friendly match between Hungary and Sweden at Puskas Arena on June 6
Newcastle United transfer target Anthony Elanga will miss the second of Sweden's two international fixtures this month as speculation swirls over his future as a Nottingham Forest player. The winger, wanted by the Magpies, will miss out for personal reasons.
Elanga's early departure is not thought to be down to his transfer situation and was instead pre-arranged before he got the call up from Jon Dahl Tomasson to face Hungary and Algeria. Speaking last week, the head coach told Swedish publication Fotbolldirekt: “He will not play the second match for personal reasons. It is something we agreed on a long time ago.
“He may train with us (before the match against Algeria), but he will not play the second match. It is also possible that he will leave after the first match.”
Elanga led the line as Sweden won 2-0 against Hungary last week, playing as his nation's central striker due to Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres absences. The former Manchester United star joked after the game, when asked about Newcastle's interest, that Isak had called him and was most likely ringing to bemoan his lack of goals.
The pair enjoy a strong relationship, with Newcastle keen to get the two forwards playing alongside each other at club level as well as on the international stage. Forest, however, are in no rush sell any of their top players and will demand top dollar to even begin negotiations over a possible Elanga exit.
Newcastle, meanwhile, are keen to add additional firepower in front of goal and have long been admirers of the winger's talents. The north east outfit tried to lure Elanga to St James' Park on deadline day last summer but saw their £35m offer fall flat at the first hurdle.
Newcastle have credited with interest in Joao Pedro of Brighton, while former target Bryan Mbeumo appears to be Manchester United-bound should the Red Devils and Brentford agree a fee.
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