Forest 'want to keep' Elanga as Toon Army links continue

NOTTINGHAM Forest are said to have made their stance over Anthony Elanga clear amid interest from Newcastle United.

- By SARAH CLAPSON

The Magpies have their eye on the winger once again after being thwarted in their efforts to land him 12 months ago. But as was the case last summer, they look set to come up against some steadfast resolve from the Reds.

Forest rejected an offer from Newcastle for Elanga on deadline day last summer. If another one is put forward in the coming weeks, it might be that it elicits a similar response.

According to The Telegraph, the Reds “want to keep” the £50m-rated Sweden international. The club are said to have “denied there has been any direct contact” with the Magpies as it stands.

It comes after TEAMtalk reported “multiple meetings” had taken place between Elanga’s representatives and the Newcastle hierarchy. The Daily Mail had also claimed Magpies representatives had been in Nottingham recently.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is said to be keen to get deals done early this summer. The Telegraph state Elanga and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro have “moved ahead of” previous targets Mohamed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo in the St James’ Park side's transfer discussions.