- but is the Forest for the Magpies?

Elanga scores against Tottenham - one of only six times he found the net in 38 Premier League games last season

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AFTER a lengthy wait for fresh faces through the door, Newcastle United are on the cusp of kickstarting a summer spending spree with the arrival of Anthony Elanga.

There is still some way to go before the deal can cross the line but confidence is certainly growing over the Nottingham Forest flyer becoming the Magpies’ first, senior signing of the 2025 summer window.

For Eddie Howe, a player of Elanga’s ilk would offer much-needed competition and additional firepower at the top end of the pitch.

But how will the deal be received? Is the former Manchester United star the man to lead Newcastle forward? Is £55million too much, or just right, in today’s market?

We take a deep dive into the pros and cons of a potential Elanga arrival.

PLENTY OF POSITIVES TO DISCUSS

Newcastle's frustrating summer gets gets moving

For starters, let us celebrate arguably the biggest positive of them all - Newcastle United signing a first-team player who could walk straight into Howe's starting XI.

Should the transfer materialise, as expected, in the coming days, it will bring an end to an agonising wait - both this summer and in windows past - for a shiny new addition inside St James’ Park. Frustration has been building, externally, at the lack of business this summer in particular. After missing out on big-name Premier League targets such as Bryan Mbeumo, Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, Newcastle need a quick win to calm growing fears.

Elanga’s arrival will do that. Add Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford into the mix and those long-held nerves will turn to full-blown excitement.

Finally some much-needed right-wing competition

Jacob Murphy enjoyed the best season of his career last term, helping himself to 20 goal contributions as United qualified for the Champions League after a year hiatus from the competition.