As Newcastle United continue to close in on a deal to sign Anthony Elanga, manager Eddie Howe is reportedly setting his sights on the next “smart” signing that the Magpies could make.
Newcastle closing in on Elanga
Whilst Newcastle are yet to reach an agreement with Nottingham Forest, their second bid worth around £55m has reportedly been submitted and negotiations are underway. Pushing to get the deal done, a deal to sign the Swede could be on the horizon to finally hand those at St James’ Park one of their top targets this summer.
The Nottingham Forest star enjoyed an excellent campaign last time out and may well get the chance to form one of the quickest frontlines that the Premier League has to offer next to Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon. On paper, it is an attack that most defences should be wary of as Newcastle aim to retain their Champions League place next season.
With Champions League football part of a packed calendar in the coming campaign, however, Newcastle will need more than just Elanga through the door this summer. Having learned the hard way the last time they were among Europe’s elite, the Magpies must add a depth of quality to Howe’s side this time around.
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Unlike last time too, PIF should be in a position to spend and finally free from PSR concerns. Just who arrives as a result of that spending power is the big question. Whilst names such as Giorgio Scalvini have threatened to steal the headlines, Howe has reportedly set his sights on yet another attacking addition for his side this summer.
Howe now personally eyeing "smart" Bakayoko deal
Even with talks underway to welcome Elanga, another winger could yet arrive at St James’ Park before the end of the window. According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Howe is now personally eyeing a “smart” deal to sign Johan Bakayoko, who is reportedly open to a move from PSV Eindhoven this summer.
O’Rourke told Football Insider: “Bakayoko I’m sure would probably be interested in a move if it was the right offer. He wants to be playing at the highest level, which Newcastle can offer to him with Champions League football.
“With his contract going into the final year, it could be a lot cheaper than potentially some of those other players, so he could be a very smart signing for Eddie Howe.”
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Based on his output, Bakayoko would be well worth his £40m asking price, which could even turn into an instant bargain. When compared with Elanga, it’s clear that Newcastle would suddenly have two very dangerous wingers at their disposal. If Howe wants quality in depth then signing both would certainly be one way to welcome exactly that.