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. Having now agreed a £55m fee, the Magpies are set to add his pace, precision, and end product to their ranks going into a crucial season.

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 output 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, whereas 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.

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Newcastle United, Tottenham and Napoli are all monitoring England midfielder Jack Grealish after Manchester City set an asking price of £40m for the 29-year-old. (Sun), external

Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga is set to travel to Newcastle for a medical after the Tyneside club agreed a £55m fee to sign the 23-year-old Sweden international. (Sky Sports), external

The Magpies remain hopeful of winning the race to sign Crystal Palace and England centre-back Marc Guehi, 24. (GiveMeSport), external

Meanwhile, Newcastle have held fresh talks with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with manager Eddie Howe a long-term admirer of the 28-year-old England striker, who left Everton after his contract expired last month and has interest from Manchester United. (Talksport), external

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

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We asked for your favourite memories of striker Callum Wilson after he left the club following the conclusion of his contract.

Here are some of your comments:

Matt: He was magic on the pitch when Newcastle were hobbling around the bottom end of the table. But the one memory that stands out the most is Wilson responding to an emergency in the crowd when they played Tottenham and almost singlehandedly alerted all medical staff at the ground to it. What a guy. He has done the number-nine shirt proud.

Rod: Thanks Callum… always put in 100% but just cursed by constant injuries. A great natural goalscorer and definitely appreciated by all fans. Good luck for the future!

Peter: Wilson was part of a special group of players who kept us going in the "not so canny" days. He's been fantastic and I wish him all the best.

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Richard: At the cup final this year when he came on, I remember thinking: "Good move. Experienced and steady - he won't do anything silly." Straight away he took the ball right into the Liverpool corner and let them kick him for 30 seconds before letting it out for a throw. Not the most spectacular, but it was exactly what we needed. We'd have been in the Championship again if it wasn't for his goals before Alexander Isak came along.

Bobby: Generally just his robust, yet composed, style of play was always nice to watch. I wish there were more strikers like him.

Greg: What a servant to the club. He alluded to it in his message, but there really were some lows! To have such a quality player during those times was a rare spark of joy. I'm sure I can confidently say that the Toon army wishes Wilson the best of luck with whatever he chooses to do moving forward. Burnley and Leeds wouldn't go far wrong by looking to add Wilson to their line-ups for next season!

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

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Despite failing to score a Premier League goal in 2024-25, when he only started two games, Callum Wilson netted 47 times in 113 top-flight appearances during five seasons at Newcastle.

He averaged a goal every 143 minutes, the fifth-best record of any player with at least 15 goals during this period, bettered only by Erling Haaland, Alexander Isak, Mohamed Salah and Harry Kane.

His shot conversion rate of 23.7% also stacks up alongside the league's elite finishers, exactly the same as that of Newcastle team-mate Isak.

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Where Wilson has clearly struggled is with availability. A series of injuries, including calf, hamstring and back issues, meant he only started 71 of 190 league matches for the Magpies, equivalent to 37%.

While the arrival of Isak in 2022 has contributed to limited opportunities, fitness problems have meant he has only been in the matchday squad for half of Newcastle's Premier League matches over the past two seasons.

Champions League qualification means manager Eddie Howe will surely now be on the lookout for a more physically robust centre-forward to provide back-up for Isak in 2025-26.

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On the day Callum Wilson confirmed he will depart the club, Ralph from Lancaster asked: Hi Phil, when might we see Eddie Howe's "early signings"? Newcastle are the only top-six side still to join the market and surely need more strength in depth for the Champions League campaign?

Phil answered: Eddie Howe sat in front of us at St James' Park on the final day of the season after qualifying for the Champions League and stated very clearly the importance of getting deals done quickly.

It will be hugely frustrating for him and Newcastle's fans that this has not happened.

Joao Pedro, a prime target, went to Chelsea and Liam Delap – another player on Howe's list - did the same. The attempts to sign Antony Elanga from Nottingham Forest are dragging on.

Howe will really want some movement soon because, for all the success of last season in winning the Carabao Cup and reaching the Champions League, his squad was thin beyond his main first-choice team.

Newcastle need to start doing deals quickly or those frustrations will grow.

Follow the rest of Phil's Q&A here

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Callum Wilson has penned his goodbye to Newcastle fans as his departure from the club is confirmed.

The 33-year-old striker scored 49 goals in 130 appearances, during an injury-hit five years on Tyneside.

His contract expired this summer.

"It's time to say goodbye after an unbelievable few years in the Toon," he wrote on X. "Thank you for everything.

"We stood strong together through the highs and some lows to help the club experience new heights.

"I am so proud to have worn the iconic number nine shirt and to have added a little more history to it. Scoring at the Gallowgate End really is as special as they say.

"All good things come to an end but there's no doubt Newcastle United will always have a place in mine and my family's hearts.

"Thank you for the memories."

What are your fondest memories of Wilson?

Perhaps you met him, or you can remember a specific goal that stands out?

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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

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

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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.