Newcastle United legend urges club to sign 'enthusiastic' 22-year-old winger after earlier breakdown in talks

Newcastle United legend Andy Cole has said that a move to Tyneside for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga "would be a good move"

The Sweden international was involved in discussions for a move to the Magpies late last month during the 11th-hour talks to help both clubs work around the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.

The move involved Toon midfielder Elliot Anderson joining Forest with Elanga going the other way with cash included as well.

The deal never materialised however, Anderson got the move to Forest with Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos going the other way.

Image: Sky Sports

Andy Cole: Anthony Elanga is an "enthusiastic" player

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has been interested in Elanga since his performance in Forest's 3-1 win over the Magpies at St James' Park on Boxing Day last year.

The winger had a standout performance, helping former Mag Chris Wood bag a hat-trick in his old stomping ground.

On Elanga, Cole told Betfred: "It would be a good move to be fair.

"Since he left Manchester United, he’s got his head down and had a very good first season at Nottingham Forest in a team that struggled in their second season back in the Premier League.

"In the games I watched him play in for Nottingham Forest, I saw him bring something else because he has that pace, he’s very direct and he can pick people out in the box. If that move does happen, then he could be a good replacement for Anthony Gordon if he moves on.

"He’s young, still learning and very enthusiastic. You never know what could happen but I do like him and if it does happen, it would be a good move for Newcastle.”

Elanga has impressed at Forest, a good option for Newcastle?

The 22-year-old joined from Manchester United last season for £15m.

In his first season at Forest, he scored five goals and bagged nine assists helping the club secure a third successive season in the Premier League.

A move to Newcastle could materialise soon with the Magpies hoping they can offload Miguel Almiron to make way for a new marquee right-wing option.

Almiron reportedly has interest from several clubs in Saudi Arabia as his contract winds down.