Newcastle United narrowly avoided £50m tragedy this summer as targeted star is now branded ‘awful’

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Newcastle United turned to desperation in the final hours of the summer transfer window.

The summer was hugely underwhelming for Newcastle United after newly-appointed sporting director Paul Mitchell failed to land any top targets.

Newcastle went back and forth with Crystal Palace but ultimately failed to sign Marc Guehi despite multiple bids.

Attention then turned to signing a new right-sided winger but Newcastle had missed out on first-choice target Michael Olise so ended up going through their list of alternatives.

It culminated in a last-gasp £50m bid for Anthony Elanga which was rejected by Nottingham Forest in the final hours of deadline day.

Newcastle were warned that a £50m deal for Elanga would “reek of desperation”. Now weeks later, the hierarchy at St James’ Park are likely happy that their offer was turned down.

Anthony Elanga called ‘awful’ by Nottingham Forest fans

Anthony Elanga would have ranked third in Newcastle’s most expensive signings if Forest accepted the deadline day offer.

It would have placed huge expectations on Elanga and his performances for Forest so far this season suggest Newcastle made a lucky escape.

The 22-year-old winger has made nine appearances for Forest this season and failed to score in any of them while only delivering one assist.

He recently lost his starting spot in Nuno Espirito Santo’s side for games against Fulham and Chelsea but returned to the lineup against Crystal Palace on Monday.

While Newcastle fans were stunned by Elliot Anderson‘s performance in that match, Forest supporters were left fuming at Elanga’s display.

As per Nottingham Forest News, supporters criticised Elanga for his performance against Palace with fans calling him “awful” and “really poor”.

Newcastle have struggled for goals this season but Elanga’s performances prove he was never going to be the solution.

Newcastle must sign a right-sided winger

Elanga may not be the answer Newcastle are looking for, but signing a right-sided winger is a top priority in January.

Miguel Almiron almost left Newcastle in the summer and he frankly lacks the quality to be a regular starter on the right, while Jacob Murphy has also struggled to nail down that position as his own.

READ MORE: Bournemouth’s transfer stance on Newcastle United-linked Antoine Semenyo ahead of January window

Newcastle are extremely strong on the left with Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes both wanting to play there, but it has created an imbalance in attack that has made Howe’s side predictable going forward.

The Athletic claim Newcastle still retain an interest in Elanga, but add that “additional checks” have been made on other winger targets. After Elanga’s poor start to the season, they have no option but to look elsewhere.