ELANGA'S A HIT

ANTHONY Elanga is set to become Newcastle’s first groot signing of the transfer window after the Magpies reportedly agreed a £55 million (R1.3 billion) deal with Nottingham Forest.

The Athletic, BBC and Sky Sports all reported yesterday that the Sweden international is on his way to St James’ Park.

Elanga was one of the stars of Forest’s surprise seventh-placed finish in the Premier League last season, scoring six goals and providing 11 assists.

Forest paid just £15m to sign Elanga from Manchester United two years ago.

United are due to receive a lekker sell-on fee from the move.

Newcastle’s attempts to strengthen their squad in preparation for a return to the Champions League next season have so far been frustrated.

Despite being backed by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, the League Cup winners have been limited in what they can spend in recent seasons by financial sustainability rules.

Burnley’s goalkeeper James Trafford is expected to follow Elanga through the door at St James’ Park, with Newcastle also looking to sign a centre-back and a versatile forward.

Meanwhile, Callum Wilson will depart the Magpies during the close-season.

The 33-year-old was signed from Bournemouth in 2020 and scored 49 goals in 130 appearances for the club.

Wilson told Newcastle’s website: “It’s time to say goodbye after an unbelievable few years in the Toon.

“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 9 shirt and to have added a little more history to it. Scoring at the Gallowgate End really is as special as they say.

“Thank you for the memories.”