TalkSPORT journalist now says Nottingham Forest wanted Eddie Howe favourite in part exchange for Elanga

Newcastle United’s long-standing pursuit of Anthony Elanga appears to be nearing a successful conclusion, with recent developments suggesting the Magpies are finally on the verge of bringing the Swedish international to Tyneside.

After missing out on Elanga last summer when a dramatic £50 million bid was submitted on deadline day, Newcastle returned with an improved £55 million offer this window.

This latest proposal is expected to be accepted by Nottingham Forest, if it hasn’t already, bringing a potential end to a transfer saga that has spanned over a year.

Elanga’s integration into the Newcastle squad shouldn’t be a challenge. With fellow Sweden internationals Alexander Isak and Emil Krafth already part of the team, and with the added presence of his close friend Will Osula, the 22-year-old winger will have familiar faces around him from the outset.

Personal terms are not believed to be a stumbling block, making it a matter of time before Elanga officially becomes a Magpie.

However, fresh information from TalkSPORT journalist Alex Crook has shed light on how close Newcastle came to securing Elanga even earlier.

During the January transfer window, the two clubs reportedly reignited talks, and Nottingham Forest attempted to negotiate a player-plus-cash deal. Their preferred part-exchange target? Jacob Murphy.

Crook revealed that Forest hoped to take Murphy as part of a swap deal, but Eddie Howe personally vetoed the idea, unwilling to lose a player he holds in high regard.

From a strategic standpoint, Howe’s decision made perfect sense. At the time, Miguel Almiron was already expected to depart and ultimately returned to Atlanta United in Major League Soccer.

That left Murphy as the club’s only natural right winger. Offloading him would have solved one problem only to create another, leaving Newcastle short of options in a key attacking position. Signing Elanga was intended to strengthen depth, not simply to replace an existing contributor.

Murphy’s importance to Howe’s system cannot be understated. Not only did he continue to perform at a high level, but he also developed an increasingly effective partnership with Alexander Isak.

His energy, pressing, and work rate on the right side of the pitch have been vital, particularly when paired with Isak’s movement and creativity through the center. Removing Murphy from the squad mid-season would have disrupted the balance and cohesion that Howe has worked tirelessly to build.

Elanga’s anticipated arrival adds another exciting layer to Newcastle’s evolving attack. Known for his blistering pace, directness, and ability to stretch defenses, he fits the profile of a high-intensity, modern wide player.

His previous experience playing alongside Isak for Sweden should accelerate the chemistry between the two in club football, offering another dynamic weapon in the final third.

The move also signals Newcastle’s growing intent in the transfer market, even amidst Financial Fair Play constraints. While the fee may raise eyebrows, it reflects Elanga’s trajectory and potential, particularly after a standout season with Nottingham Forest that saw him contribute significantly to their offensive output.

Newcastle have identified him not only as a player for the present but also as someone who can develop further under Howe’s guidance.

For Nottingham Forest, holding firm on their valuation and attempting to leverage a player like Murphy in negotiations shows their own ambition and awareness of value.

Although they did not succeed in luring Murphy, their attempt underscores how highly regarded he is across the league. In the end, Newcastle’s refusal to part ways with Murphy and willingness to increase their offer for Elanga was a decisive stance that may now finally pay off.

With pre-season fast approaching, locking in a player of Elanga’s caliber ahead of the first friendlies would offer Howe a welcome opportunity to integrate the winger early and begin shaping a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts.

The story of Elanga’s pursuit may soon come to a close, but for Newcastle United, the chapter that lies ahead looks even more promising.