Newcastle United working on double swoop as personal terms agreed
Newcastle United have two deals they are currently working on.
Newcastle United are close to agreeing a deal for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga.
.png?crop=3:2,smart&trim=&width=640&quality=65)
The Magpies saw an opening bid of £45million turned down last week but have returned with an improved £55m offer. Forest’s stance has been that Elanga is not for sale but talks are advancing and an agreement is now thought to be close.
Elanga has been on Newcastle’s radar since last summer when they first asked for him to be included in the PSR swindle that saw Elliot Anderson move in the opposite direction. However, Forest said no and United agreed to sign Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos.
Newcastle then made another approach on deadline day but nothing materialised. With signing a right forward a priority for Eddie Howe after Miguel Almiron’s January exit left Jacob Murphy as the only recognised option, Elanga has remained among the head coach’s top targets.
Newcastle United close in on Anthony Elanga and James Trafford
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano first broke the news of the Magpies’ £55m bid before the Daily Mail revealed a deal is ‘on the verge’ of being agreed.
Providing a further update, Romano wrote on X: “More on Newcastle and Anthony Elanga exclusive story. Club optimistic to get final green light from Nottingham Forest after £55m bid revealed tonight. Personal terms also close to being agreed as #NUFC want to get it done as soon as possible.”
Last week, Romano also claimed that Newcastle had agreed personal terms with Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford ahead of agreeing a fee.
Romano said: “Newcastle are closing in on James Trafford deal, final details being sorted! Agreement almost done with Burnley and then it will be here we go. Newcastle are planning to get the deal done very soon.”
As reported by NewcastleWorld, there has been some last-minute to and fro when it comes to finalising the final details but an agreement is expected to be reached.
Anthony Elanga open to Newcastle United move
Similar to Trafford, Elanga is keen on a move to Newcastle, meaning personal terms are unlikely to be an issue. The prospect of playing and improving under Howe is one factor, while the lure of Champions League football and the opportunity to play with some familiar faces are others.
Elanga is Sweden teammates with Alexander Isak and Emil Krafth, and close friends with Will Osula. The pair recently filmed a TikTok of them dancing whilst on holiday in Monaco together among the many other social media interactions they’ve had over the summer.
Newcastle United £55m bid for Anthony Elanga explained
Between £55m to £60m, Elanga is set to become Newcastle’s second most expensive signing behind Isak.
Elanga has scored 11 goals and provided 21 assists for Forest since joining from Manchester United for £15m two years ago. The Swede was recognised for playing a key role as the Reds finished seventh in the Premier League last season, qualified for the Europa Conference League and reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
Although some are unsure if Elanga is worth what Newcastle are paying for him now, his potential is undeniable. Still only 23, Elanga already has a decent output at Premier League level and ranks among the quickest wingers in the division.
Howe, a manager who has a proven track record of improving players, will relish nurturing Elanga’s attributes.