Nottingham Forest are holding firm in their £60m valuation of Anthony Elanga amid Newcastle United’s interest, but the Magpies’ second bid could change the dynamic.
Newcastle have submitted a £50m bid for Elanga as their long-term interest in the Swedish international winger looks set to continue throughout the summer window.
Despite not getting close to the Reds’ £60m valuation for the winger, Newcastle reporters expect the club to sign Elanga eventually, with negotiations far from over.
However, Evangelos Marinakis won’t budge on a player the club doesn’t need to sell, with Nottingham Forest News exclusively talking to Graeme Bailey to get the latest information on the deal.
How Nottingham Forest are feeling after Newcastle United’s second Anthony Elanga bid
Elanga hasn’t shown an interest in leaving Forest, which only emphasises the strength of Marinakis’ negotiating position with Newcastle.
This is crucial as Bailey explained that Newcastle aren’t the only side that admire Elanga, but the £60m valuation isn’t up for negotiation.
He said: “Forest are fairly settled, we have seen that. It’s my understanding that he is on the radar of the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Aston Villa, but again, that’s not unsurprising given the season he’s just had.
“But it’s not going to be for £45 million. You’re seeing that Cunha went for £62m, Joao Pedro in the end I think is going for £60m. Elanga, Forest would argue, is better than all these players and I think they’re well within their rights to think that.”
From Newcastle’s perspective, one mooted option has been that Harvey Barnes could be included in an Elanga deal, but Bailey has expressed his doubts at that solution to Nottingham Forest News.
Nottingham Forest haven’t pushed for Harvey Barnes
With Forest looking to sign two wingers, there is logic to including Barnes in a deal for Elanga, given his experience in the Premier League.
However, Barnes isn’t on the mind of Forest, according to Bailey, with nothing changing from the Reds in terms of what they want to sell Elanga.
He said: “It would make sense from Newcastle’s point of view to a certain extent, but Harvey Barnes finished the season in brilliant form last season. He was frustrated, but then he was getting the game ahead of Gordon.
“Never rule anything out in football, but at the moment, Forest are quite happy with the situation. If they get an offer that needs considering, they will consider it.”
It seems as if Newcastle will have to meet Forest’s valuation for Elanga or move on, then, with the potential inclusion of Barnes not tempting Marinakis.
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