Magpies must splash the cash for Forest star

NEWCASTLE United are aware a move for Anthony Elanga would most likely be their most expensive purchase of the summer, with Nottingham Forest slapping a substantial valuation on the 23-year-old.

- By AARON STOKES

The Magpies were rebuffed when launching an ambitious 11th-hour deadline-day bid for the winger last summer, thought to be in the region of £35m.

This time around it will take north of £50m to get the ball rolling, with suggestions Forest could hold out for upwards of £60m given their relaxed financial situation at present.

Meanwhile, one member of the City Ground faithful took to social media over the weekend to express the feelings of Elanga's fanbase, simply writing: “£70m-£80m or we don’t even pick up the phone...”