Newcastle United have seen their £45 million offer for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga swiftly rejected, with the Midlands club making it clear they have "no intention" of selling their Swedish international.
Forest value the 22-year-old at £60 million following an impressive campaign where he contributed six goals and 11 assists in the Premier League.
This marks Newcastle's second failed attempt to sign Elanga after a complex bid last summer involving £30 million upfront, Miguel Almiron and two additional £5 million payments fell through.
Eddie Howe's pursuit of a right winger continues as the Magpies must now decide whether to either meet Forest's valuation or explore alternative targets.
Anthony Elanga was the subject of a transfer bid from Newcastle
PA
Newcastle are stepping up their pursuit of Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, with negotiations set to open this week over a potential £40 million transfer.
The 22-year-old England international kept 29 clean sheets and conceded just 16 goals as Burnley secured automatic promotion from the Championship last season.
Howe has long admired Trafford's shot-stopping excellence and highly assured footwork, having been disappointed when a £20 million move collapsed last summer.
Burnley's impending £4.5 million signing of Karlsruher SC goalkeeper Max Weiss suggests Scott Parker is preparing for Trafford's departure.
The 6ft 6in keeper, who grew up on a farm near Cockermouth, admitted he was "disappointed" when last year's transfer fell through.
Newcastle's interest extends beyond Elanga, with Brighton's João Pedro firmly on their radar, though the Brazilian striker is thought to favour a move to London amid competition from Chelsea.
Brighton value Pedro at £60 million, matching Forest's asking price for Elanga.
On the defensive front, Newcastle have turned their attention to Atalanta's Giorgio Scalvini after their hopes of signing Crystal Palace centre-half Marc Guéhi diminished.
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Anthony Elanga is valued at £60million by Nottingham Forest
PA
The 21-year-old Italian is regarded as one of the brightest young defenders in Serie A.
Howe remains keen to strengthen his defence after failing to land Guéhi last summer, with Scalvini emerging as a primary target.
The financial implications of pursuing multiple targets could see Newcastle's spending exceed £150 million if they meet the valuations for Pedro, Elanga and Trafford without having addressed their defensive needs.
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James Trafford has long been on Newcastle's radar
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Trafford's potential arrival raises questions about Nick Pope's future, with newly-promoted Leeds showing interest in Newcastle's current first-choice goalkeeper.
Newcastle are open to selling midfielders Sean Longstaff, who has attracted interest from Everton and Leeds, or Joe Willock.
However, they will resist any approaches for striker Alexander Isak, including from Liverpool, and plan to offer him a lucrative contract extension this summer despite his current deal running until 2028.
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