Man United wait on potential £8m transfer windfall as Newcastle consider third bid

Manchester United are keeping a close eye on one transfer that doesn’t directly involve them this summer.

Manchester United are watching on intently as Newcastle reportedly push to sign their former winger, Anthony Elanga, from Nottingham Forest this summer.

United sold Elanga in 2023 after he was offered a second chance by Ralf Rangnick when he was appointed interim manager. Once the current Austrian international team head coach left Old Trafford, so did the Swede’s chances at the club.

Erik ten Hag preferred his statement signing Antony on the right wing and, as such, Elanga was sold to Forest for what is believed to be a fee of £15m. Unfortunately for the Reds, their Brazilian winger failed to impress while the player they allowed to depart has since gone from strength-to-strength at the City Ground.

The 23-year-old totted-up six goals and 11 assists in the Premier League last season – as Forest managed to surpass all expectations and qualify for the Conference League next season. Elanga’s key role in that success has now made him a target with Newcastle particularly keen on his signature.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle are preparing to submit a third offer valued at £55m for Elanga this week. Our colleagues at Chronicle Live previously reported that a £45m bid had been rejected and that a £50m offer had been made.

While the transfer does not directly impact United, there could be a tasty windfall in it for them this summer. It is understood that the Reds included a 20 per cent sell-on clause in the deal which saw Elanga swap Manchester for Nottingham.

This means 20 per cent of the profit that Forest make will go straight to the Reds. If he was to be sold for £55m, then Forest would make a £40m profit and United would receive £8m in the settlement.

It may not be a huge sum of money but when the Reds are currently looking for every means necessary to boost Ruben Amorim’s budget, an extra £8m would come in handy. Newcastle have until 7pm on September 1 to try get their proposed deal for Elanga over the line.

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