The suggestion is that he is keen to stay put and Forest want to keep him. But Cole, who played for both clubs during his career, can see why the Sweden international is being monitored by the Magpies.
“It would be a good move to be fair,” Cole told Betfred. “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.”
Forest and Newcastle held talks about a potential swap deal for Elanga before last month’s accounting deadline. Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson were mooted as options to head in the opposite direction as the St James’ Park outfit looked to comply with Profitability and Sustainability Rules.
In the end, Anderson joined the Reds for £35m and goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos went the other way. At the time, it was said Forest neither wanted nor needed to sell Elanga as he was viewed as an important member of the group. However, Newcastle’s interest has seemingly not gone away as reports have suggested they remain keen.