Newcastle United are in serious danger of being unable to have the opportunity to lure Anthony Elanga to St James' Park as Nottingham Forest are threatening to hold out for the same amount as Manchester United end up paying for Brentford talisman Bryan Mbeumo, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
The Magpies have pocketed £20million during the initial 10-day transfer window, thanks to Lloyd Kelly's loan switch to Serie A heavyweights Juventus becoming permanent, and head coach Eddie Howe has been scouring the market for fresh faces as he prepares for a campaign which will include Champions League action.
Miguel Almiron's mid-season move back to Atlanta United has left Newcastle with limited options on the flanks, with the Paraguayan returning to the Major League Soccer outfit in a deal worth £8million, and the Carabao Cup winners have been eyeing Elanga as they seek further creativity.
Magpies Face Stumbling Block in Elanga Push
Tyneside giants will have to fork out lucrative fee for winger
Anthony Elanga in action for Nottingham Forest
Newcastle are fearful that their pursuit of Elanga will result in them being bitten twice by Manchester United, according to GMS sources, as Nottingham Forest will use Mbeumo's switch to Old Trafford to gauge what their demands should be ahead of any potential offers when the transfer window reopens on June 16.
The Red Devils are preparing to submit a bid worth in excess of £60million for the Brentford talisman, having already had a £55million offer rejected, highlighting that the Magpies will have to splash the cash in order to stand a chance of landing the Sweden international from the City Ground.
GMS sources have been informed that Newcastle are seriously considering upping the ante in their pursuit of Elanga, who enjoyed a productive 2024/25 campaign in a Nottingham Forest shirt, after prime target Mbeumo made it clear that his preference is to join Manchester United if he leaves Brentford.
Anthony Elanga's statistics for Nottingham Forest this season
The Tricky Trees winger, who has been described as 'outstanding' by scout Ben Mattinson, has worked his way firmly onto Howe's radar after his form played a pivotal role in his current employers securing European qualification and coming to within touching distance of a Champions League spot.
But Nottingham Forest are ready to use Brentford's demands for Mbeumo as a yardstick as they aim to keep Elanga out of Newcastle's clutches, GMS sources have learned, because there is a strong desire to retain his services instead of allowing him to embark on a fresh challenge ahead of next season.
Elanga on Howe's Radar for Prolonged Period
Bid was made for Sweden international during winter window
Anthony Elanga applauding the Nottingham Forest supporters
GMS sources have been told that Nottingham Forest are planning to price Elanga at the top end of the market in an attempt to force Newcastle to move onto alternative targets, but he has been coveted by Howe for a number of months and lodging a bid has not been ruled out on Tyneside.
The Magpies have enquired about the 23-year-old's availability since the end of the season, having also tabled an offer worth £35million during the winter transfer window, but it is becoming abundantly clear behind the scenes that they are facing an uphill battle to do business with their Premier League counterparts.
Nottingham Forest firmly believe that Elanga should be in the same price bracket as Mbeumo, GMS sources understand, meaning the eventual fee that Manchester United potentially fork out is in line to dictate whether Newcastle have the financial reach to secure his signature in the coming months.
Newcastle manager Alan Shearer (L) and Michael Owen during training Related
Michael Owen: Alan Shearer Was 'Inches' From Quitting Newcastle For English Rivals
The former English strikers do not have a good relationship having fallen out at Newcastle.
GMS sources recently revealed on our Market Madness podcast that the City Ground fan favourite is among the wide forwards admired by the Magpies as they go in search of fresh attacking impetus, but it will be difficult to convince the Tricky Trees to sanction his departure as they prepare for next term.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 10/06/2025
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