Nottingham Forest ‘advanced’ in replacing Anthony Elanga as ‘progress’ made behind the scenes

Amidst the shock of Morgan Gibbs-White’s move to Tottenham, Nottingham Forest are making promising progress in their quest to replace Anthony Elanga.

Elanga is set to sign for Newcastle United in what was already a blow to Nuno Espírito Santo, but the Gibbs-White deal has made the Swede’s exit even harder to swallow.

Nottingham Forest News understands that Forest will receive a £55m upfront fee for Elanga, which, in isolation, doesn’t seem to be a bad fee, but Gibbs-White’s £60m release clause has made the deals look less impressive as a pair.

Forest’s recruitment staff have at least found their man to replace Elanga, though, as Nottingham Forest News have received information from Graeme Bailey about the progress of a move for this successor.

Nottingham Forest have ‘advanced’ in replacing Anthony Elanga

Forest have a shortlist to replace Elanga, with the right decision absolutely crucial given he chipped in with 18 goal contributions across all competitions last season.

Reports had suggested that Johan Bakayoko was Forest’s top winger target, and transfer expert Bailey has exclusively told Nottingham Forest News that talks for the Belgian are progressing nicely.

Bailey said: “Johan Bakayoko is the most advanced in terms of a winger – Forest are making progress with him.”

Forest fans were excited about the Bakayoko rumours, so this update will be music to their ears, given the anguish felt over the past days.

However, Edu will need to act fast to keep this progress going with Bakayoko, as the 22-year-old has interest from across Europe.

Nottingham Forest-linked Johan Bakayoko has interest from abroad

Edu tried to sign Bakayoko for Arsenal, so he’ll be well aware of his talents, but also aware of other top sides across Europe showing interest in the PSV star.

Journalist Florian Plettenberg has reported that Bayer Leverkusen are in talks to sign Bakayoko, with the Forest target at the top of their shortlist as well.

Reports in the Netherlands from Eindhovens Dagblad have also linked Bakayoko with Borussia Dortmund, meaning that Forest will need to compete with two Champions League-qualified clubs to secure their man.