Keith Downie: £60m winger wants Newcastle move – Movement expected in coming days
Newcastle United Still Confident of Landing Anthony Elanga After Failed Initial Bid
Exactly one week ago, reports emerged that Newcastle United had seen a substantial £45 million bid for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga turned down. The story was first broken by respected journalist David Ornstein, with Sky Sports’ North East reporter Keith Downie later corroborating the news, adding that Forest are holding firm in their valuation of the Swedish international at around £60 million.
In the days that followed, the Magpies shifted their transfer focus elsewhere, with Joao Pedro and James Trafford dominating the transfer headlines. However, with Pedro now seemingly on his way to Chelsea in a deal worth over £55 million and Trafford nearing a move from Burnley to Tyneside, attention is expected to swing back toward Elanga — if it hasn’t already.
Keith Downie has now provided a fresh update on the situation, and he believes there is a very real possibility that Elanga could become a Newcastle player in the coming weeks.
Downie: Elanga Is Newcastle’s Primary Right-Wing Target
Speaking in a video update recorded outside St James’ Park, Downie emphasized that Elanga has emerged as Newcastle’s top target for the right-wing position following the collapse of a move for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo. According to the reporter, Newcastle view the former Manchester United forward as a perfect fit for Eddie Howe’s tactical setup.
“All indications point to Anthony Elanga now being Newcastle’s priority on the right flank,” Downie said. “Initially, the club had been pursuing Bryan Mbeumo quite strongly, but with that option off the table, the focus has shifted fully onto Elanga. And honestly, he fits Howe’s system brilliantly — pacey, direct, hardworking — he’s everything Howe looks for in a wide forward.”
Crucially, Downie revealed that the 23-year-old Swedish international is believed to be open to the move and would welcome the opportunity to join Newcastle. The sticking point, however, remains the transfer fee.
Hope for a Compromise Deal
Despite the initial £45m offer being rejected, Downie suggests that the two clubs are not far apart in their valuations and that a compromise may soon be reached.
“Forest have made it clear they’re looking for £60 million, but Newcastle’s initial offer was £45 million,” he explained. “In my view, if Newcastle return with a bid in the region of £52 to £53 million — essentially meeting in the middle — that could be enough to finally push this deal through. And from what I’m hearing, they’re seriously considering doing just that.”
Downie added that Newcastle aren’t currently facing competition from other clubs for Elanga’s signature, which puts them in a strong negotiating position. With the player believed to be enthusiastic about the move and both sides relatively close in their valuations, optimism is growing that a deal could be concluded soon.
“I expect Newcastle to revisit this deal in the coming days — if they haven’t already — with an improved offer,” Downie concluded. “All the signs are positive, and I’d be surprised if we didn’t see real movement on this before long.”
Elanga’s Rising Stock
Elanga, who joined Nottingham Forest last summer from Manchester United, enjoyed a strong debut season at the City Ground. His performances have attracted attention from several top-flight clubs, but it appears Newcastle are the most serious suitors. At just 23 years of age and already possessing Premier League experience, he represents a player who could contribute immediately while still offering long-term potential.
With Newcastle looking to bolster their attacking options ahead of a return to European football, a move for Elanga could be one of their most significant investments of the summer window.