Anthony Elanga sends message as Newcastle United strike contract agreement

Anthony Elanga has frequently been linked with a transfer from Nottingham Forest to Premier League rivals Newcastle United

One piece of transfer interest Nottingham Forest have been most wary of throughout the year has been Newcastle United’s chase of Anthony Elanga.

The Tyneside club were named admirers of the winger early in the recent summer transfer window, especially when both they and Forest were under pressure to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Understandably so as well, as Elanga was coming out a maiden campaign at the City Ground with five goals and nine assists to his name.

In the waning hours of August’s deadline day it was reported that a £35m offer was turned down by Forest, and ultimately the player stayed put. “I’m focusing on Nottingham and hope to have a good season, then we’ll see what happens,” he said at a later date.

“[Alexander] Isak talked to me about it but I said the same to him as I say to you. We have a good relationship and good chemistry when we play together, but I have a contract with Nottingham.”

He has continued to play an important role in Nuno Espirito Santo’s plans, helping the team to climb to eighth in the Premier League standings. However, as their rivals failed to find a replacement target to cover their right wing berth there remains the threat that they could return with another bid at Forest’s inconvenience.

But whilst unable to make a move for Elanga outside of the regulated business periods for Premier League sides, it seems Newcastle’s focus has been on renewing terms for the players they currently own. The latest to commit his future to St. James’ Park is the club’s 2023/24 player of the season, Anthony Gordon.