Ex-Man Utd ace admits 'Newcastle phone call' amid £50m summer transfer talk
Newcastle United are interested in Nottingham Forest star Anthony Elanga and the former Manchester United ace has spoken about the interest he has been subject to on international duty
Anthony Elanga admitted he'd received a phone call from Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak... but joked it was concerning his errant shooting on international duty. The Nottingham Forest winger had been linked with interest from the Magpies ahead of Sweden's match against Hungary.
The Swedes came away 2-0 victors without the help of Newcastle star Isak, who pulled out of the squad through injury, as Elanga put in a starring performance but failed to get on the scoresheet. Benjamin Nygren and Yasin Ayari secured the victory for Jon Dahl Tomasson's team away from home.
Elanga scored six goals and provided 11 assists as Nottingham Forest qualified for the UEFA Conference League, after looking set for Champions League competition following a strong start to the season. The former Manchester United ace was a key member of Nuno Espirito Santo's team throughout 2024/25 in his second season with the club.
Newcastle are said to have enquired over a deal for Elanga, who has three years remaining on his contract with Forest. Last summer saw the Premier League's fifth-placed side make a late £35million bid for the Swede but never came close to making a deal.
And Eddie Howe appears keen to rest the Midlands side's resolve once again, with Newcastle able to offer Champions League football. However, it is reported it would take a figure greater than £50m to find success.
Elanga appears relaxed over such speculation. ' There is a lot of talk," he said, per Sport Witness.
"I focus on what I can do and my focus today was on the match. In football there are always rumours. The most important thing is that I focus on what I can control.'
'I guess there will always be scouts wherever I play," he added. "As long as I stay focused and do my best in the match.
"I just keep my focus and what I can control. That's what I can do on and off the field. I focus on the next day and action. That's what I can do."
Elanga was asked if he'd received a call from Isak and admitted his international team-mate had made an attempt. But joked it was likely about his shooting performance on Friday night.
"He must have tried to call me about the match, that I should have scored," he said.
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