Newcastle on verge of having £55m bid for Anthony Elanga accepted – as Eddie Howe nears breakthrough in pursuit of key target

Newcastle have made an improved £55million offer for Anthony Elanga and are on the verge of agreeing a deal with Nottingham Forest.

The Magpies saw a package of £45m rejected last week but we understand there has now been significant progress in negotiations.

Personal terms are not thought to be an issue, although there could yet be interest from elsewhere. Aston Villa are said to be monitoring the situation.

Elanga, 23, has been a long-term target of Eddie Howe and there was a failed approach to sign him last summer.

The Newcastle boss is an admirer of the right-winger’s pace and output – he scored six and assisted 11 in the Premier League last season – but he also sees scope for big improvement in the Sweden international. If the deal does go through, Elanga would become Newcastle’s first signing of the summer.

His former club Manchester United are also owed an estimated 15 per cent of profit from any sale. He joined Forest for £15m in 2023 and has scored 11 times from 82 appearances.

They had an initial bid of £45m rejected but are determined to land the right winger

Eddie Howe is an admirer of Elanga’s pace and output, but also sees room for improvement