Newcastle ‘exploring big-money move’ for Premier League player in move that has come completely out of nowhere
Jack Kenmare
3 minutes
Newcastle United are reportedly exploring a big-money move in the coming hours after Eddie Howe said he was “hopeful” of doing business on deadline day.
The Magpies have been relatively quiet this summer. They turned Lewis Hall’s loan move from Chelsea into a permanent switch for £28 million plus £7 million in possible add-ons.
Denmark under-21 international William Osula has also arrived for a reported £15 million, whilst Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos joined from Nottingham Forest.
Other additions include Lloyd Kelly and John Ruddy on free transfers.
Ahead of Friday’s deadline, Eddie Howe said they would be trying to do business “right until the end” of the 11pm cut off.
And with six hours of the window remaining, it emerged that Newcastle are ‘exploring a big-money move’ for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook.
He added: “Told this one is developing quickly and likely to be done.”
In addition to those reports, Sky Sports suggest Newcastle have held talks with Forest over a deal worth over £35 million.
“Eddie Howe is a big fan of the Sweden international and attempted to bring him to the club at the end of June,” added Sky reporter Keith Downie.
This isn’t the first time Elanga has been linked with a move to St James’ Park.
Earlier this month, Newcastle added the Sweden international to their right-winger shortlist. They are said to ‘admire’ the winger, according to Football Insider.
Elanga, who signed a five-year deal with Forest last summer from boyhood club Manchester United, was one of the club’s standout performers last season, notching five goals and nine assists in 39 games.
Image credit: Getty
Image credit: Getty
Speaking ahead of Friday’s deadline, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe opened up on their deadline day plans.
“I don’t think we’ll be closed right until the end…in both ways (ins and outs),” he said.
“There may be one or two of the younger players going out on. We are looking for loans for two or three of those. So let’s see what happens in the last few hours.”
When asked if he was expecting anyone to arrive before the deadline, Howe added: “I don’t know if expecting [another signing] is the right word, but we are hopeful of course.
“Currently there is still time and there is still work going on to try and see what we can do in the last few hours of the window. So while there’s time is hope.”
