Newcastle United are about to seal deal for 'perfect' signing - 'it's a match made in heaven'


Newcastle United are close to making a breakthrough in this summer’s transfer window - and it’s a BIG one.
The Magpies are understood to be on the verge of striking a deal with Nottingham Forest to sign winger Anthony Elanga. The Reds rejected a £45million bid last week but a fresh £55million offer has got a conversation started and an agreement is now looking increasingly likely.
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Hide AdGetting Elanga over the line would be huge for head coach Eddie Howe, who first ordered the board to try and sign him last summer. In the campaign gone, the 23-year-old was excellent for Forest as they finished seventh in the Premier League, qualified for the Europa Conference League and reached the FA Cup semi-finals.
As a deal edges closer, our writers Liam Kennedy and Jordan Cronin give their thoughts:
Liam Kennedy - ‘Match made in heaven’
“Is Elanga expensive at likely £60m? Yes, undoubtedly. But fees only really ever matter or get discussed when players underperform - I've got faith the Swede will banish all price tag talk within his first few weeks on Tyneside.
“And, importantly, that's kind of the going rate for a player of this quality and experience - see what Brentford want for Bryan Mbeumo, West Ham Kudus, or Bournemouth for Antoine Semenyo. At 23, Elanga is younger than all three, importantly. This, to me, looks like a match made in heaven.
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Hide Ad“A two-footed speed merchant, fast with and without the ball, who caused havoc up and down the Premier League last season, Elanga was Eddie Howe's first choice for a right-wing upgrade. And after a difficult summer so far, I'm delighted he looks to have landed his man.
“He's not the man to unlock defences, per say, but will be lethal with Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak on the break, particularly away from home against Champions League opposition.”
Jordan Cronin - ‘Perfect for an Eddie Howe team’
“Newcastle United are paying a Premier League premium for Elanga but I’m not going to harp on about that. The top and bottom line is, the Swede, in my opinion, is perfect for an Eddie Howe team.
“Intensity is Newcastle’s identity and Elanga, with his rapid pace, brings that in abundance. Adding that to attack line of Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon must be a frightening prospect for any opponent.
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Hide Ad“Six goals and 12 assists last season in a team competing at the top end of the Premier League is already a decent return. But for me, the most exciting thing about this deal is what Elanga can become in the future.
“Still only 23, Eddie is the king of developing and improving players. Howe’s track record and Elanga’s potential is a devastating combo.
“Note to myself and others who debate the price tag, look at how much Newcastle paid for Anthony Gordon and look how much he is worth now. Elanga, I expect, is set for a similar trajectory under Howe.”
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