Newcastle United

Karan Vinod
BBC Sport Journalist

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Newcastle United's pursuit of Anthony Elanga underlines just how far the Swedish winger's stock has risen after a stellar 2024-25 campaign with Nottingham Forest. With an improved £55m offer reportedly on the table, the Magpies are hoping to add his pace, precision, and end-product to their ranks ahead of a crucial season.

Yet, according to BBC Radio Nottingham's Colin Fray, the East Midlands club have no plans to sell - and when you look at the numbers, you can see why.

Elanga's statistical profile paints the picture of a player not just improving, but excelling in some of the most important attacking metrics. The radar chart below, provided by Opta via FBref, shows Elanga ranking in the top percentiles among Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers across multiple categories.

A percentile score reflects how a player compares to his positional peers - being in the 80th percentile for goal-creating actions means Elanga outperforms 80% of similar players in that key attacking measure. His high percentile for shot-on-target percentage signals not just an eye for goal but efficiency in making goalkeepers work - he doesn't waste chances.

His crossing ability sits near the top of the scale, a vital asset for any team relying on width and delivery. For comparison, none of Newcastle's current wingers - Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes, or Anthony Gordon - averages more than 4.85 crosses per 90 minutes, while Elanga averages 6.65.

Meanwhile, his progressive carries - how frequently he moves the ball towards goal - highlight his directness and willingness to take on defenders, adding dynamism to Forest's attack. Even his goals per shot ratio reflects a sharpness in front of goal that is increasingly rare among wingers.

For Newcastle, these numbers represent everything they need: pace, efficiency, and creativity in the final third. Their recent transfer frustration stems from failing to make these kinds of decisive moves early. Elanga, who can play wide or centrally, fits the profile of a player who could unlock defences both at home and in Europe.

But for Forest, the data offers equally compelling reasons to resist any approaches. Elanga is not just an emerging star - he's become integral to their style of play. His numbers aren't padded by penalties or purple patches; they reflect consistent, high-level contribution. At 23, he still has room to grow, and with Forest's ambitions to push higher up the Premier League table, keeping a player of this calibre sends a clear signal of intent.

For now, Forest's stance is firm: Elanga is not for sale. And whether you view the radar through the lens of a buying club or a club determined to keep its best talent, the conclusion is the same - Elanga is already among the Premier League's most valuable wide players.

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We asked for your views on Steve Howey's list of the top five Newcastle United centre-backs of the past 50 years (scroll to 14:39 BST on 3 July to see his choices).

Here are some of your comments:

John: Howey was decent but lacked pace. Peacock wasn't great. Albert was silky but not a great defender. Coloccini did develop into a decent player. Woodgate was class. How these are the greatest of the last 50 years is beyond me. Glenn Roeder was probably better than most we have had.

Nick: Fabian Schar deserves to be in the top three - great composure and a mean shooter too. Always reliable.

Mark: I love Howey, but he's miles off with his list. The only list that should feature him and Woodgate near the top is injury-prone players. The top five should be 1. Coloccini 2. Albert 3. Schar 4. Burn 5. Woodgate.

Carl: You have to include Roeder, probably above Howey, for best defenders in the past 50 years

Liam: Not having either Schar or Dan Burn (or both) on that list is criminal. Howey putting himself at two is arguably even worse. I'd also be tempted to disqualify Coloccini after publicly expressing his desire to leave while he was our captain.

Jim: I agree with Howey's first choice. Woodgate was indeed the best centre-back I have seen in the black-and-white shirt as he could read a game like I can read a book. His ability to do this and not to break into a sweat was always a pleasure to watch. It was just unfortunate his time with us was too short.

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With Newcastle United's transfer business under the spotlight, former Magpies midfielder Lee Clark has called for sharper decision-making as the club looks to strengthen ahead of a pivotal season.

Newcastle United have Champions League football to offer in the upcoming season, but so far they remain inactive in the transfer market, with only speculation and rumours linking them to potential signings.

"It's a game of chess, isn't it, from the buying club to the selling club," Clark said on BBC Radio Newcastle. "The frustrating thing from Newcastle's point of view is that we seem to go in and have to do it three or four times.

"And when I say go in, I mean go in and get a bid rejected, whereas our rivals in the top six get close, maybe with the first offer and go smash it with the second.

"And with the type of players we are looking to bring in now, we are looking at the real elite level.

"Just seems to be that we are not making the right early moves in terms of making things happen. Obviously, you don't want to be paying over the odds. But we've gone three windows without really signing anyone in terms of seniority to help the team, and this summer is crucial for us - we've got to learn from the last Champions League campaign. Certainly got a terrific squad, but not big enough."

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Newcastle have made an improved £55m offer for Sweden winger Anthony Elanga, 23, and are on the verge of agreeing a deal with Nottingham Forest. (Mail), external

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The centre-back Steve Howey believes is the best to wear the white and black of Newcastle United over the past 50 years is Jonathan Woodgate.

The former England defender only played for the Magpies for 18 months after signing from Leeds in 2003 for around £9 million.

The following summer, Real Madrid came calling but for Howey, he left a lasting impression.

"Good defender who read the game very well - a good footballer," Howey told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"I have to be honest, there were times when I didn't see what everyone else saw when everyone raved about him [before he moved to St James' Park].

"But when I watched him at Newcastle, it was effortless for him. It didn't look like he was flustered. He looked comfortable all the time!"

A recap of Howey's five-best centre-backs to play for Newcastle:

1. Jonathan Woodgate

2. Steve Howey

3. Darren Peacock

4. Philippe Albert

5. Fabricio Coloccini

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What do you make of Howey's choices?

How would you rank these five? Have a go here.

But who is missing from the list?

Let us know here

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It is time for the second part of former Newcastle defender Steve Howey's countdown of the best centre-backs to represent the Magpies over the past 50 years.

Coming in at three is Darren Peacock. Over four seasons, he amassed 176 appearances and helped the Magpies to consecutive runner-up finishes.

"He was a defender's defender," said Howey, who played alongside Peacock. "He'd be criticised, of course, because we conceded goals, but that's just how we played. It is difficult to mark three or four players."

At number two, Howey chose himself.

A product of Newcastle's youth academy, he became a key figure during the club's rise under Kevin Keegan in the 1990s. Howey made nearly 240 appearances for the Magpies and was instrumental in their promotion to the Premier League in 1993.

"Sometimes you have to back yourself, and I am going to shove myself in there," he said.

"From somebody who wasn't a defender, to become a defender, in one on ones I wasn't too bad, and I did like to bring the ball out. I could pass."

Listen to Howey's selections here

Or come back later on Thursday to discover who Howey considers the best centre-back to play for Newcastle United.

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Throughout Thursday, we will be revealing the centre-backs former Magpies legend Steve Howey considers to be the best over the club's past 50 years.

At number five, he chose Fabricio Coloccini, who became a stalwart for Newcastle during his eight seasons. Coloccini made nearly 275 appearances after signing for around £10 million from Deportivo la Coruna.

"A good footballer - a good defender," Howey told BBC Radio Newcastle. "He could defend when he had to defend, but he was very good on the ball as well. Someone who wasn't very tall but good in the air."

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In fourth, Howey chose Philippe Albert who made the leap to Newcastle in 1994 under the tutelage of Kevin Keegan and made 96 Premier League appearances, scoring eight goals, including that chip against Manchester United in 1996.

"Philippe was a very good footballer, probably not the most gifted defender, but a wonderful player," Howey said.

"He got that iconic goal against Manchester United, but as an all-around player who happened to play at the back, I am going with Phil.

"He had a wonderful left foot and was a great lad."

Come back later on Thursday to see the next two players on Howey's list.

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Newcastle are aiming to tie up a deal for Burnley's English goalkeeper James Trafford, 22, as early as next week and remain in talks with Nottingham Forest for Swedish winger Anthony Elanga, 23. (i paper), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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Newcastle are exploring a move for 26-year-old Marseille and Argentina centre-back Leonardo Balerdi, who is also of interest to Juventus. (Mail - subscription required), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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Charlotte Robson
Fan writer

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I have been a Newcastle fan for too long to get caught up in transfer rumours.

For years we experienced transfer droughts. When we were taken over in October 2021, I briefly flirted with the idea that we might actually make exciting signings year in, year out. But Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules soon put paid to that fanciful thought.

I am not saying we have not made exciting signings, and we were certainly spoiled in the first window post-takeover, but the past three windows have left a lot to be desired.

We are frequently linked with players who ultimately do not come to Newcastle - be it Marc Guehi last summer, who stayed at Crystal Palace, or Joao Pedro this summer, who looks to be going to Chelsea instead. Why not us, Joao? Why not the beautiful North East?

Many people - fans and pundits - try to understand why players are not coming to us.

I am of the opinion it usually comes down to money. It is not that the North East is too far. Too far from what? If London, it is 40 minutes on a plane or less than three hours on a train.

If players want a happy and wholesome home life, this is the city for them. The countryside is beautiful and, if you play well, fans will revere you like nowhere else.

It is difficult as a fan to be whipped back and forth from name to name - only to be disappointed. It is especially difficult in the context of next season when we have Champions League football to prepare for.

Eddie Howe made a pointed statement to the media in May that recruitment has not been good enough in the past few windows and we must make amends for that this summer.

I only hope July bears more fruit or the manager and fans will be very frustrated.

Find more from Charlotte Robson at the True Faith: Newcastle United Podcast, external

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Newcastle have unveiled their third kit for the upcoming 2025-26 season - and it's a modern take on their 1997-98 equivalent.

Chief commercial officer Peter Silverstone called it "a powerful blend of past and present" and "a bold design that reflects both our proud history and the exciting journey ahead".

The Magpies will debut the strip in their pre-season friendly against Scottish Premiership champions Celtic on 19 July.

What do you make of it?

Choose your verdict here

West Ham would be open to offers of about £60m for 24-year-old Ghana forward Mohammed Kudus, who has attracted interest from Newcastle, Chelsea and Manchester United. (Guardian), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

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Our chief football writer Phil McNulty has been taking your questions.

Ken asked: Why do we (Newcastle United) seem to be struggling to get deals done? Eddie Howe said he wanted business done early but we haven't been able to attract our top targets. It's a little bit of a worry.

McNulty replied: It has been frustrating as I was at Newcastle on the last day of the season when Eddie Howe said it was imperative business was done quickly. But this has not happened.

It is not as if they have not been trying, but they have been unable to agree deals and now it looks like Joao Pedro, a prime target, is off to Chelsea.

I think this was always a fear behind the scenes at Newcastle, with the attraction of London and extending the ex-Brighton clan of Marc Cucurella, Moises Caicedo and Robert Sanchez.

Still plenty of time to bring in new faces – but there is no escaping the fact it has all been very frustrating for Newcastle and Howe so far.

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

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Despite the enormous resources of their Saudi owners, Newcastle's ambitions have been hamstrung by profit and sustainability regulations.

Their only signing so far this summer has been 18-year-old winger Antonio Cordero, who has joined on a free after spending last season in the Spanish second tier with Malaga.

Qualification for the Champions League means there is a little more room in the Magpies finances, which is just as well since new blood is needed to cope with the increased workload.

Last season, Newcastle used just 24 players in the Premier League, the joint second lowest total in the top flight. When they last competed in Europe in 2023-24, injuries and fatigue eventually caught up with them and a run of six defeats in seven league games over the winter torpedoed their season.

With Sven Botman only able to start 21 top-flight matches in the past two years, a new centre-back may be a priority. Last summer, Crystal Palace rebuffed a move move for Marc Guehi, but he is entering the final 12 months of his contract so could be available for a sensible price.

If they are beaten to the punch by Liverpool, Atalanta's 21-year-old Giorgio Scalvini has been mooted as an alternative. The 6ft 4in tall Italy international is highly rated but has barely played in the last year because of knee and shoulder injuries, so would represent a calculated gamble.

Jacob Murphy enjoyed an outstanding campaign in 2024-25, with his tally of 12 Premier League assists bettered only by Mohamed Salah, but an additional option is required on the right wing.

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Former Newcastle defender Steve Howey says players tend to lean towards clubs near London despite Newcastle being a club that are "flying".

Howey told BBC Radio Newcastle's Total Sport programme: "The area is absolutely magnificent but a lot of players - and possibly their wives or partners - know London and everybody thinks that's the place to be.

"Of course, unfortunately, they'll tend to lean towards clubs down there because of London - even though you've got a club that's flying like Newcastle, who are going massively in the right direction, have just won the Carabao Cup, have got a brilliant and exciting manager, a fantastic team and ridiculous fans. You can go there and be adored."

On the significance of location to a player, he added: "It's hugely important. What people have to understand is the player themselves is usually fine. They can come, they're in among the lads, having a laugh, training and doing this and that, but it can sometimes be difficult for the partner because, at times, they're alone."

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Newcastle have launched bids to sign Brighton's 23-year-old Brazil forward Joao Pedro, Burnley's English goalkeeper James Trafford, 22, and Nottingham Forest's 23-year-old Sweden winger Anthony Elanga. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

Trafford has agreed terms with Newcastle and talks between the two clubs are ongoing. (Fabrizio Romano), external

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We asked for your views on the "hardest" Newcastle player from the past 50 years. You've also given us some shouts from longer ago that deserve a mention.

Here are some of your comments:

Peter: Only one name: Duncan Ferguson. That's the end of the debate.

Alex: From the modern era, you'd have to give Joelinton a mention. I always think back to a match against Brighton where Moises Caicedo, with a look on his face of absolute fear, was hiding behind Dan Burn while Big Joe was trying to get at him after a scuffle during a set-piece.

Davey: He may not be as brutal as some of the players from the 70s and 80s, but I would put Joelinton up there with the hardest. Can you imagine if he'd been able to get away with some of the stuff refs let go back then? Absolute carnage! Big Joe is an absolute machine and I'd certainly think twice about challenging him for the ball. He's one of our best, toughest players of the modern era and I can't think of anyone he's scared of. Have you seen the size of his thighs?

Steve: Obviously I didn't play against them, like Ando did, but surely Duncan Ferguson, David Batty and Stuart Pearce need to be involved in any discussion of hardest player?

Alan: Alan Shearer! Took the knocks and gave them without moaning or rolling over and over, I remember the match when so called hardman Roy Keane squared up to Shearer. He soon backed down on his way off with a red card!

Ian: John McNamee was your classic 1970's Scottish piece of granite! He terrorised European forwards during our successful campaigns.

John H: John McNamee, which is more like 60 years ago.

Laurence: John McNamee. I saw him many times in the 60s, sleeves rolled up to his armpits and ready for battle. I witnessed him committing the worst foul I'd ever seen where Ernie Hunt, playing for Everton, ended up on the cinder track on the Popular side (East Stand) bleeding from thigh to calf.

Newcastle are looking at the likes of PSV Eindhoven and Belgium winger Johan Bakayoko, 22, and Borussia Dortmund and Germany attacker Karim Adeyemi, 23, if they are unsuccessful in their pursuit of Nottingham Forest and Sweden wideman Anthony Elanga, 23. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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So, here is who former Newcastle defender John Anderson thinks has been the "hardest" Magpies player over the past 50 years.

He had no hesitation in picking Billy Whitehurst in top spot. Whitehurst only spent a year at St James' Park from 1985-86, but Anderson says that he is the toughest player he has come across in football.

"He would fight anybody and run through anybody," Anderson added. "He is top of my list and I don't think anybody comes close.

"I had the misfortune of playing against him and I just kept standing off him."

A recap of Anderson's top five:

5. Peter Jackson

4. Kenny Wharton

3. Brian Kilcline

2. David McCreery

1. Billy Whitehurst

• Listen to the debate in full on BBC Sounds here

And explaining why he did not choose any current players on his list, Anderson said: "The game has changed and you can't do what we used to do.

"There is nobody in the modern era who jumps out and makes you think you wouldn't want to play against them."

What do you make of Anderson's choices? Do you think any of today's players deserve a spot in the top five? Or are there any other players from longer ago who also deserve a nod?

Tell us who Anderson missed off his list here

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Nottingham Forest do not want to sell Anthony Elanga.

The winger has become a key man at the City Ground and Forest have rejected an offer, reportedly worth £45m, from Newcastle.

The Magpies have admired the 23-year-old for a while and tried to bring him to St James' Park last summer.

Yet Forest are prepared to stand firm and want to keep their big players ahead of returning to Europe next season after sealing a Europa Conference League play-off spot.

Elanga played in every one of Forest's Premier League games last season, making 31 starts and scoring six times as Nuno Espirito Santo's side finished seventh.

He joined for £15m from Manchester United in 2023 and has made 82 appearances for Forest, scoring 11 goals.

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