Nottingham Forest received some late interest from Newcastle United in winger Anthony Elanga on a frantic transfer deadline day.
The Reds are looking to focus on incoming deals today and this has proved an unwelcomed distraction.
Elanga was the subject of a bid from Newcastle, with manager Eddie Howe thought to be a big fan of the Forest winger.
The talented 22-year-old was linked with Newcastle earlier in the summer when Forest were completing a deal to sign Elliot Anderson.
Forest are going to welcome James Ward-Prowse into their squad later this evening from West Ham.
Now, some updates have come to light on Elanga and what the future might hold for him at the City Ground.
Journalists provide updates on Nottingham Forest star Anthony Elanga
Relax, Forest fans, this is a complete non-starter and some reputable sources appear to have confirmed as much.
Luke Edwards is a man with his finger on the pulse at Newcastle and he’s delivered an update on the Elanga situation.
He wrote on X: “No deal. Newcastle are no longer talking to Forest, who demanded cash plus a player to proceed. There was an enquiry, no bid was made. Over before it started.”
This was backed up by the fountain of all transfer knowledge, Fabrizio Romano.
He posted: “Nottingham Forest are rejecting all approaches from Newcastle for Anthony Elanga.”
Elanga has only spent 12 months at the City Ground and he enjoyed a brilliant first season at the club.
He scored five goals and claimed nine assists as the Reds survived in the top flight – and he should be capable of kicking on this season.
Forest can park this and focus on adding to their squad
Elanga is an exceptionally talented player and it’s not just his goal contributions that Forest would be missing but his raw pace to get beyond defenders too.
At 22, there is plenty of room for him to improve and ultimately, Forest are right to tell Newcastle where to go this late in the day.
It remains to be seen which player Forest asked for but in our view, the club would have been wise to cheekily ask for Alexander Isak!
Elanga is a popular figure on Trentside and hopefully, this speculation doesn’t impact his performance level during the first half of the campaign.
Clearly, Newcastle do like Elanga and it remains to be seen whether they will return with an improved offer in January.
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