Newcastle United enjoyed another fantastic campaign under Eddie Howe and could now use their leverage of being a Champions League side in their pursuit of an exciting attacker, according to a report.
Newcastle United look to streamline forward areas
Despite a nervy final afternoon of the campaign against Everton, Newcastle United will return to Europe’s top table and now hold a key advantage over many of their competitors in the transfer market.
Making an early start, Antonio Cordero has completed his move to the North East from Malaga on a free transfer and departing sporting director Paul Mitchell confirmed the Magpies saw off a plethora of rival interest to land their man.
“Antonio is an exciting talent. We’re delighted to bring him to Newcastle United amidst interest in Spain and across Europe. He has lots of potential, and the next phase of his development will be for the club to select a loan move that will challenge him and build on his experiences.”
Hoping to continue that trend, the Magpies have set their sights on Fulham star Rodrigo Muniz and met with his camp last month to explore different avenues towards a potential deal to bring the Brazilian striker to the North East, even if he may cost around £50 million.
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Newcastle boss Eddie Howe may want to sign a new centre-back this summer.
Alexander Isak appears likely to stick around at Newcastle. Meanwhile, Callum Wilson’s future is in limbo, and it remains to be seen whether he renews his terms or leaves on a free transfer.
Nevertheless, the front four positions appear to have taken precedence at an early stage in the window and Newcastle have made contact over a potential deal for a thriving Premier League star.
According to Sky Sports, Newcastle have made contact with Nottingham Forest over Anthony Elanga by way of an initial enquiry after their previous attempts to land the Sweden international last summer.
Magpies boss Howe is said to be a long-term admirer of the former Manchester United star, who has registered six goals and 12 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions this season, and he is one of four ‘top winger targets’.
Anthony Elanga’s excellent Premier League campaign in numbers
Shot-creating actions
102
Goal-creating actions
18
Progressive carries per 90 mins
3.67
Assist frequency per 90 mins
0.40
Touches in attacking penalty area per 90 mins
3.96
Labelled “special” by Nuno Espirito Santo, Elanga still has three years left on his Nottingham Forest contract, and it remains to be seen whether Newcastle would be able to move forward in their pursuit in light of the 23-year-old’s importance at the City Ground.
Either way, strength in depth is needed if the Geordies have designs on progressing in the Champions League, a competition which may hold the key to attracting premium talent to the North East this summer.
With speculation beginning to intensify, it remains to be seen whether Newcastle can push a deal over the line for Elanga’s signature.
