Newcastle United are trying to save their summer transfer window with a late move to sign Anthony Elanga.
The Magpies targeted the winger earlier this year when they were trying to solve their PSR problems, and it was reported that Newcastle were still interested in Elanga after that June 30th deadline.
However, that interest has not resurfaced until transfer deadline day.
Earlier in the day, it was suggested that Newcastle were working on a signing, with Geordie Boot Boys told that a winger was suddenly being pursued.
Now TalkSPORT have reported that the player in question is Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest.
They have claimed that Newcastle are trying to sign Elanga ahead of the window closing at 11pm.
Eddie Howe could get his wish as Newcastle target Anthony Elanga
Now Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has provided an update on the situation, stating that Newcastle United have held talks with Nottingham Forest about trying to do a deal for Elanga on deadline day.
He wrote on X: “Newcastle United have held talks with Nottingham Forest over a deal for winger Anthony Elanga today, with a fee of £35m+ discussed between the clubs. Eddie Howe is a big fan of the Sweden international and attempted to bring him to the club at the end of June.”
However, since the initial update on talks being held, Downie has provided a further update on Newcastle’s pursuit of Elanga.
He wrote: “Told Newcastle’s approach for Elanga has been turned down by Forest.”
Newcastle in a rush to end the summer on a high
It has been an extremely challenging summer for Newcastle United and Eddie Howe.
And it became all the more frustrating when Newcastle pulled out of a deal to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.
Guehi was the only centre-back that Eddie Howe wanted, with the Toon boss only interested in players who genuinely improve his team. While there are alternatives to Guehi, Newcastle are not going to sign a centre-back on deadline day.
But they are suddenly trying to sign a winger, with Newcastle aiming to complete a deal for Elanga. A fee of more than £35million has been discussed, which would make him one of Newcastle’s most expensive signings ever.
As Newcastle target the Sweden international, there must be genuine belief that he is an improvement on what the Magpies have already got out wide – or at least the belief that he has the potential to be an improvement.
Newcastle fans have been desperate for an upgrade on Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy, and Paul Mitchell is trying to provide that.
However, time is very much against Newcastle United, despite the initial excitement of the Elanga approach.
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