Anthony Elanga told to leave Nottingham Forest and join Newcastle United
Newcastle United are in negotiations for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga.
Former Premier League striker Louis Saha believes Anthony Elanga would “kick on” should he choose to join Newcastle United.
Toon chiefs are targeting the Swede having failed to land him in a desperate deadline-day bid last summer. A bid worth around £35million was turned down 12 months ago before Elanga enjoyed his best career as a professional.
The 23-year-old scored six goals and registered 11 assists in the Premier League as Forest qualified for Europe. He is now valued at around £60million - with the Tricky Trees remaining robust on the asking price.
Newcastle United bid turned down
Various sources have noted how Newcastle saw a fresh bid turned down last week. Elanga appears keen on the move and has even been hanging out with Toon youngster Will Osula during the off-season.
It is no secret that the Magpies want a right-winger ahead of the Champions League campaign. As it stands, Jacob Murphy is the only natural option in that position following Miguel Almiron’s sale.
Louis Saha on Anthony Elanga
Ex-striker Saha - who made 12 loan appearances for Newcastle - has backed a potential move. He said: “He’s a top player who’s always trying to improve. He’s shown amazing ability for Nottingham Forest and I hope he gets the most from his career.
“He’s the type of player who meets Newcastle’s trajectory on the way up and they want a big squad to cope with the demands of playing domestically and in Europe. I think he’s one of those players who can handle the physicality of the game and he’s one of Nottingham Forest’s biggest assets. He’s essential to how they play. He and Newcastle United would both kick on if that transfer happened.”
Anthony Gordon comments
Saha also weighed in on the possibility of Anthony Gordon leaving Newcastle this summer. He added: “Every squad has its flows, in and out. Anthony has done really well at Newcastle since he arrived, and he’s only getting better. He’s still got potential to improve.
“Because of that, he’s attracting interest from huge clubs, and maybe Liverpool are even bigger than Newcastle. If he goes to Liverpool, it’ll be because they offer a better chance of winning trophies.
“On the one hand, it shows Newcastle are doing the right things, developing players to this level, and their players are visibly succeeding. It’s a good sign really, because he’s only 24 and he’s come on so much at Newcastle, he’s still a kid really.
“Newcastle have shown with him, and other players including Joelinton, that it’s only a good thing to join the club. They’ve developed well without spending more than they can afford, and they have the ability to get even better even if he leaves.”