Newcastle Nearing Deal for Forest's Elanga with Higher £55m Bid

Newcastle United is aiming to enhance their squad for the Champions League by pursuing a deal to acquire Nottingham Forest forward Anthony Elanga. After an initial bid of £45m was turned down last week, Newcastle has now submitted an improved offer of approximately £55m for the player.

Eddie Howe and Newcastle have a longstanding interest in Elanga, who played in every Premier League match for Forest last season. He scored six goals and provided 11 assists as Forest secured a spot in the Europa Conference League, marking their return to European competition after more than two decades. Newcastle, on the other hand, qualified for the Champions League by finishing fifth in the league.

Although a final agreement has not yet been reached, Newcastle is optimistic about the progress of negotiations with the 23-year-old forward. Elanga moved to Forest from Manchester United in a £15m deal two years ago, with reports suggesting that Manchester United included a sell-on clause in the transfer.

Elanga has scored 11 goals in 83 appearances for Forest and is contracted with the club until 2028. If Elanga departs, Forest is eyeing 22-year-old PSV winger Johan Bakayoko as a potential replacement. Bakayoko has attracted interest from Borussia Dortmund and other Premier League clubs.