Anthony Elanga responds to claims Newcastle United have made a move to sign him on international duty

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For the second year in a row, Newcastle United are trying to sign Anthony Elanga in the summer transfer market and the forward has now responded to the fresh claims. 

Newcastle United made a move for Elanga in the summer of 2024 but the winger ultimately stayed at Nottingham Forest and played a key role as they qualified for the Conference League. 

Still, Newcastle have opened talks to sign Elanga, as Eddie Howe finally looks to land a new forward.  

Forest are set to demand more than £50million for the 23-year-old, who still has three years to run on his contract at the City Ground.

Shortly after the transfer news broke, Elanga was in action as Sweden beat Hungary 2-0 away in a friendly match. After the game, he was asked about the development. 

• READ MORE: Anthony Elanga sends two-word message to Newcastle United star after sudden transfer reports

Anthony Elanga responds to claims Newcastle United want to sign him  

Speaking to Fotball Skanalen, Elanga was quizzed on the claims Newcastle had opened talks with Forest over a move.  

Interestingly, they suggest the forward had just enjoyed one of his best games for the national side, even though he did not score in Budapest.

Put to him that Newcastle wanted to sign him, Elanga said: “There is a lot of talk. I focus on what I can do and my focus today was on the match. In football there are always rumors. The most important thing is that I focus on what I can control.”

Anthony Elanga’s stats for Sweden vs Hungary should excite Newcastle United fans

According to Sofa Score data, the Newcastle United transfer target played up front for Sweden in the Hungarian capital.

Alexander Isak wasn’t involved after he pulled out of the squad, after dealing with a groin injury towards the end of the club campaign at Newcastle.  

Elanga had four shots, two of which were on target. One of them even hit the woodwork.

While he did miss two big chances, he played a key pass and completed one of his three attempted dribbles.

It looked an energetic display and, with more composure, he may well have scored. Given he appeared to be playing slightly out of position, it was a decent night for him.