According to Caught Offside, Newcastle United have learned key attacking target Anthony Elanga’s asking price. Nottingham Forest want at least £60 million to sell the electric winger, who seems to be ‘enthusiastic’ about joining the Magpies this summer.
Nottingham Forest’s quest to make the UEFA Champions League fell off in the latter stages of the season as they ended up finishing only in a UEFA Europa Conference League place. As a result, some of the players who helped them qualify for a European competition could depart, with Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga considering their futures.
Elanga has had interest from Newcastle United, who had been eager to recruit a right-winger since January and might view the Nottingham Forest man as the ideal fit. Eddie Howe likes his direct play and would be keen to reunite the winger with Swedish compatriot Alexander Isak in the front three.
However, the sticking point might come in the form of his asking price, as Nottingham Forest are seeking at least £60 million for the winger. That price may be a bit steep for Newcastle United’s liking, who had hoped to get a deal done for significantly less. Forest are eager to get the best value for the ex-Manchester United player, who got 18 goals and assists across all competitions last season.
Nottingham Forest’s stance might be weakened since Anthony Elanga is ‘enthusiastic’ about joining Newcastle United as per TEAMalk. The idea of playing in the Champions League might be a huge factor in this decision from the ex-Manchester United winger, who contributed to 18 goals this term, as his stance might have been slightly different had Forest finished in the top five.
Eddie Howe has certain players on their list, and Anthony Elanga is not the first name for the right-wing position. They were keen to sign Bryan Mbeumo before he chose Manchester United as his preferred club ahead of the summer. There are big links to Joao Pedro, while there other names are also lingering on their shortlist.
The plan seems to be heading toward improving their attacking setup ahead of the summer window as Newcastle United are facing the prospect of playing in the UEFA Champions League. Targets like Elanga and Pedro would impeach their final third actions, although there will be doubts about whether the Magpies can get those deals over the line due to the prices.
