Newcastle 'open talks' over Elliot Anderson swap for ex-Man United attacker

Elanga only joined Forest last summer from Manchester United for around £15m having previously been on the Magpies' radar.

The 23-year-old came through the youth ranks at Man United, making his senior debut in 2021, but he struggled to gain regular first-team football at Old Trafford and has since become a key player at Forest.

Elanga scored five goals and registered nine assists in 25 starts and 11 substitute outings for Forest in the Premier League last season, helping the club avoid relegation and finish 17th in the table.

The Sweden international still has four years remaining on his contract at the City Ground, but speculation over a summer switch to Tyneside has now surfaced.

Elanga, Anderson swap deal on the cards?

According to Sky Sports News, Newcastle have opened talks with Forest over a deal to sign Elanga, which could see midfielder Anderson move in the opposite direction as part of a swap deal.

Magpies boss Eddie Howe is said to be keen to strengthen his side in the attacking department this summer and Elanga's versatility appeals to him after the Swede operated across the front three last season.

The report adds that Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo would be interested in signing Anderson as they look to bolster their options in midfield and believes the 21-year-old has a 'strong future'.

Anderson was allegedly included by Newcastle in a player-plus-cash offer for Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Max Kilman, but the bid was swifty rejected.

The potential sale of Anderson by Newcastle would represent 100% pure profit as the midfielder is a home-grown player who has been with the Magpies since the age of eight.

Newcastle, Forest at risk of PSR breach

As things stand, Newcastle could face challenges when negotiating a deal with Forest as their financial restrictions are affecting what they can spend on new players this summer.

The same can be said for Forest, as both they and the Magpies are at risk of breaching the Premier league's Profit and Sustainability Rules and must get deals done before the June 30 deadline if they wish to balance their books.

Time is said to be against both clubs, but talks remain ongoing this weekend in the hope of reaching an agreement over an Elanga-Anderson swap deal.

Both Newcastle and Forest are also looking to offload players before Sunday's deadline, with the latter on the verge of selling defender Moussa Niakhate to Lyon for a reported £20m.

The Magpies, meanwhile, are allegedly keen to recoup up to £40m for 19-year-old attacker Yankuba Minteh who has attracted interest from Everton, Brighton & Hove Albion and Lyon.

Recent reports have emerged that Newcastle attempted to sell Anthony Gordon to Liverpool this week in a deal that would see Jarell Quansah head in the opposite direction, but the Reds are said to be against such a proposal.