Newcastle United see double Anthony Elanga transfer hint as Nottingham Forest make their move

As speculation rages over his future, Anthony Elanga has again got eagle-eyed fans of both Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest talking as transfer talks between the two clubs continue. As the Swede enjoys the final days of his summer holiday before returning for pre-season with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, he has been spending some time with close friend – and United star – ‘agent’ William Osula.

The duo, both of Scandinavian descent, have been back and forth in each other’s Instagram comment sections for the majority of the summer, setting tongues wagging over a potential link up on Tyneside. Elanga and Osula again caught the eye of transfer-hungry supporters on Tuesday, sharing selfies and dance videos together in what appeared to be a hotel room.

Chronicle Live this week reported a new £50million enquiry had been put to Forest chiefs – from Newcastle – for Elanga’s signature. This, after the Magpies were rebuffed with their previous bid of £45million last month.

‌Meanwhile, in a second potential hint over an imminent Elanga exit, Nottingham Forest are pursuing a move for Lyon attacker Malick Fofana. Multiple outlets have reported a deal has been agreed with the stricken French club, while talks continue to reach alignment on personal terms with the player.

Lyon are set for a mass exodus this summer as the threat of Ligue 1 relegation looms large over financial concerns. Fofana, previously linked to Newcastle, has also been touted with a move to Chelsea and Bayern Munich.

Closer to home, Forest have made their Elanga stance clear this summer. In no hurry to sell, the City Ground outfit have stuck a £60m price tag on the Manchester United academy graduate.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have so far struggled in their pursuit of attacking reinforcements since the window opened last month. Before Elanga, the Magpies were keen to sign Bryan Mbeumo and have more recently missed out on Chelsea-bound Joao Pedro.

There is a strong desire inside St James’ Park to seek out attacking options who can occupy multiple positions across the frontline. Both Mbeumo and Pedro ticked that particular box, while Elanga has been used on both flanks in the Premier League and through the middle – in Alexander Isak’s absence – for Sweden lately.

Quizzed specifically over a Newcastle switch recently, Elanga replied: “There is a lot of talk. I focus on what I can do and my focus today was on the match.

“In football there are always rumours. The most important thing is that I focus on what I can control.”