Newcastle United given Anthony Elanga and James Trafford updates after £85m double deal goes quiet

Newcastle United Face Challenges in Pursuit of Anthony Elanga and James Trafford as Transfer Window Heats Up

Luke Edwards has delivered a fresh update regarding Newcastle United’s ongoing efforts to secure the signings of Anthony Elanga and James Trafford as the club continues to prepare for the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

After a relatively quiet June in the transfer market, the Magpies are now ramping up their recruitment drive, with manager Eddie Howe determined to reinforce key areas of the squad. Newcastle are particularly targeting upgrades in four positions: goalkeeper, right-sided centre-back, right-winger, and striker.

The club has reportedly submitted a substantial £55 million offer for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga. That bid is understood to have been positively received by Forest, with negotiations now centered around finalising add-ons and performance-related bonuses before a formal agreement is reached. The Swedish international has impressed since his move to the City Ground, and Newcastle see him as a perfect fit to add pace and directness to their attack.

Meanwhile, talks with Burnley over goalkeeper James Trafford are ongoing. Although the 22-year-old shot-stopper has agreed personal terms with Newcastle, the two clubs remain apart on the transfer fee. Newcastle’s most recent offer of £26 million was rejected, with Burnley holding out for a figure closer to £40 million. Burnley’s decision is likely influenced by the fact that they’ve already secured a replacement, making Trafford’s departure all but inevitable—yet progress has slowed in recent days.

In total, Newcastle are eyeing a potential £85 million double swoop for Elanga and Trafford, but completing both deals has proven to be more complicated than anticipated. Journalist Luke Edwards has weighed in on the situation via social media, stating that the Magpies are still finding it difficult to get these key signings across the line. He reassured fans that while the lack of progress is frustrating, it’s not due to mismanagement or lack of effort—it’s simply the nature of complex, high-stakes negotiations in the modern transfer market.

“Newcastle are still finding it tough to get deals over the line and progress is slow,” Edwards wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “It’s not anybody’s fault as such, it’s just hard work at the moment. Interest in Elanga and Trafford is ongoing. As I said last month, they like Scalvini at Atalanta but there is a lot of competition. Everyone wants a breakthrough, but try to stay calm.”

Edwards also provided an update on Newcastle’s pursuit of Italian defender Giorgio Scalvini. Despite struggling with injuries last season, Scalvini remains one of Europe’s most promising young centre-backs. Newcastle are keen on the 20-year-old, seeing him as a long-term solution to strengthen their defensive line, but face stiff competition from other top European clubs.

Reports from Italy have indicated that Atalanta are reluctant to sell, viewing Scalvini as a cornerstone of their future and effectively labelling him as “unsellable.” However, Newcastle remain hopeful that their interest will pay off, especially given the player’s own comments in a past interview. In 2023, Scalvini expressed a desire to play in the Premier League, saying: “For me, it’s the best league there is, for the intensity. Once in my career, I don’t even know when, I’d like to play there.”

While Scalvini has not spoken publicly about a move this summer, his admiration for English football has not gone unnoticed by clubs across the Premier League.

As things stand, Newcastle fans are growing increasingly restless over the club’s lack of confirmed new arrivals. Yet with several high-profile targets in play and negotiations ongoing behind the scenes, the Magpies are far from inactive. Patience will be key as the club works diligently to reinforce the squad ahead of a pivotal season in their push for top-four contention.

For now, all eyes remain on whether Newcastle can push through deals for Elanga, Trafford, and potentially Scalvini, as the transfer window enters a decisive stage.