Nottingham Forest to hijack deal for Newcastle target after Anthony Elanga development
Anthony Elanga’s transfer to Newcastle United could have a knockout effect for one of the Toon’s other transfer targets.
After two previously rejected bids, Newcastle agreed a £55million deal with Forest for Elanga.
The 23-year-old was one of Nuno Espirito Santo’s key players last season in their rise up the table from relegation candidates to European contenders.
The Swedish international contributed six goals and 12 assists as they finished seventh in the table to qualify for the Europa Conference League.
Forest line up Elanga replacement
Elanga’s departure means Santo is looking for a replacement and the former Wolves boss is looking to capture Johan Bakayoko.
The PSV winger was a Newcastle target as exclusively revealed by Football Insider that Howe wanted to sign Bakayoko this summer, and that the Toon were put off by his valuation in January.
However, following transfer developments, Bakayoko now looks set to swap St James’ Park for the City Ground according to The Telegraph.
They report PSV will “demand over £30m” for the 22-year-old, who only has one year left on his current deal at the Dutch club.
Elanga blow could be softened by Bakayoko arrival
Football Insider Verdict
Losing Elanga will be a blow for Forest, but fellow young prospect Bakayoko looks like he could be a fine replacement.
Bakayoko helped PSV win the Eredivisie title last season, has Champions League experience and has earned 18 Belgium caps.
| Appearances | 47 |
| Goals | 12 |
| Assists | 3 |
Being a left-footed player on the right flank, Bakayoko would be a different type of winger than Elanga.
However, he still has an eye for goal and plenty of pace which means he should fit into Santo’s counter-attacking system.
Santo still wants to strengthen the squad further and the £55m gained from the Elanga sale will prove beneficial.
He will also be supported by Edu, who has been appointed the club’s new Global Head of Football to oversee recruitment.
Forest have already signed Igor Jesus as support and competition for striker Chris Wood and they are exploring a move for Manchester City’s James McAtee.
Despite their excellent season last time, Forest’s form did dip towards the end of the campaign, seeing them miss out on Champions League football.
Squad depth will be key to sustain their Premier League form whilst competing in Europe.
The club though do need to overcome a play-off round in August to compete in the league phase of the competition.