Sky Sports: What those close to the Anthony Elanga deal are now saying after rejected Newcastle United bid

The Anthony Elanga transfer saga has taken another twist as Newcastle United deliberate their next move following Nottingham Forest’s swift rejection of their £45 million opening bid.

Sources close to negotiations reveal the Magpies are preparing an improved offer for their primary winger target, though significant gaps remain between the clubs’ valuations that could ultimately scupper the deal.

Forest’s firm £60 million asking price presents Newcastle’s recruitment team with a complex calculation. While Eddie Howe remains keen on adding the Swedish international’s explosive pace to his frontline, club officials are adamant they won’t be held hostage by inflated market prices.

Those with knowledge of the discussions suggest Newcastle will walk away unless Forest show willingness to negotiate toward a figure they deem representative of true value.

This standoff encapsulates the delicate balancing act facing Newcastle’s hierarchy. The financial resources exist to meet Forest’s demands outright, but doing so would jeopardize their ability to address other critical areas needing reinforcement.

A £60 million outlay on Elanga would consume a substantial portion of their summer budget, limiting moves for the right-sided center-back, striker, and goalkeeper that Howe has prioritized. The club’s Profit and Sustainability considerations leave minimal room for overpayment, regardless of their wealthy ownership.

The situation mirrors Newcastle’s previous transfer windows where financial discipline has occasionally cost them primary targets. However, their recruitment team maintains this measured approach serves them better long-term than succumbing to seller’s markets.

Alternatives including PSV’s Johan Bakayoko and Borussia Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi remain under consideration should Forest refuse to budge from their valuation.

Elanga’s potential arrival would address Newcastle’s need for natural width and directness in attack. His six goals and eleven assists last season demonstrated growing consistency at Premier League level, while his versatility across the frontline appeals to Howe’s tactical preferences.

Yet questions persist about whether his output justifies becoming Newcastle’s potential record signing, surpassing the £63 million paid for Alexander Isak.

As negotiations enter this critical phase, Newcastle must weigh Elanga’s immediate impact against the opportunity cost of allocating such funds to a single position. The club’s transfer committee, now operating without a sporting director following Paul Mitchell’s departure, faces its first major test of the window.

Their decision will reveal much about Newcastle’s evolving recruitment strategy under the current ownership – whether they maintain their disciplined approach or make exceptions for priority targets.

The coming days should bring clarity, with Newcastle expected to table their improved bid imminently. However, unless Forest soften their stance significantly, this protracted pursuit may join the growing list of transfer sagas where Newcastle’s valuation principles ultimately prevail over managerial preferences.

For Howe, the outcome will either deliver a key attacking weapon or force a swift pivot to alternative targets as preseason preparations intensify.