Shay Given tells Newcastle United to sign £60m gem from direct Premier League rival

Toon chiefs reportedly failed with a £50million deadline-day bid last summer. Nottingham Forest were unable to find a replacement and rejecting the Magpies has paid dividends.

Nuno Espirito Santo has led the Tricky Trees to an unexpected Champions League charge heading into the final four games of the season. Forest are competing with Newcastle for a spot at UEFA’s top table, with former United players Chris Wood, Elliot Anderson and Matz Sels excelling.

Both clubs know securing a place could unlock unprecedented spending power. The Magpies have been frugal in the market due to PSR restrictions but keeping their powder dry should ease the purse strings this summer.

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Speaking to NewcastleWorld, Given suggested Eddie Howe should reignite his interest in Elanga despite Jacob Murphy’s recent form. The Irishman also highlighted two other areas to improve.

“We need more strength in depth to compete on all fronts,” Given said. “I know they were linked with Elanga on the right side. Maybe a right-sided player, perhaps? I know Murphy's had the season of his life but you want competition in all places.

“Wilson's contract's up in the summer, isn't it? So you'd definitely be looking at someone in forward areas as well to take a bit of the weight off Isak's shoulders. Centre-half as well would be a position (I would look at). Botman is still making his way back from fitness. With Dan Burn’s and Fabian Schar’s age, that department (defence) would be an option as well.”

Given believes the buzz around St James’ Park and the club’s fan base are enticing factors for potential targets. He added: “We beat Liverpool in the final and over 300,000 fans welcomed them (the players) home. It was crazy, the scenes at Newcastle.

“That's something that top players want to be part of. They've got the nucleus of a really good squad. They have a really good team when they're all fit. Any top player would think, you know what, we can add to this. The last time, in the Champions League, it showed that the squad wasn't big enough to cope with Premier League and Champions League. It wasn't that long ago so that'll be fresh in everyone's minds as well.”

Anthony Elanga spoke to Alexander Isak about Newcastle United move

Elanga admitted following last summer’s transfer window that he spoke to compatriot Alexander Isak about a Toon switch. He told Swedish media: “Isak talked to me about it (Newcastle’s interest). “But I said the same to him as I say to you. We have a good relationship and good chemistry when we play together. But I have a contract with Nottingham.

“The environment in Nottingham is good. It is clear that you can see that Newcastle are interested, it means that I am playing good football when a big club shows interest.

“But Nottingham is also a big club, they have won two Champions Leagues, even though it was before I was born. But I’m happy in Nottingham and have a contract there. I’m focusing on Nottingham and hope to have a good season, then we’ll see what happens.”

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