(Credit; Imago)
Thu 26 June 2025 20:16, UK
Newcastle United are surely set to fall short with their ambitious attempt to sign three of their major targets in the summer transfer window.
After winning the League Cup and qualifying for the Champions League last season, the Magpies are aiming to strengthen their squad this summer after being hindered by spending restrictions.
That way they will be able to regularly compete for major silverware and a place at the top level of European football.
Despite that, they are yet to make a signing this summer, with that lack of transfer activity causing some frustration at Newcastle.
Now though, the Magpies are finally making moves as they attempt to change that with some significant new additions.
Eddie Howe needs reinforcements at St James’ Park (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)Joao Pedro, Anthony Elanga and James Trafford targeted
As they look to boost the options available to Eddie Howe, Brighton attacker Joao Pedro is one option Newcastle are after this summer.
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Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga is another target at St James’ Park, following his excellent performances for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side last season.
Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford has also been linked with Newcastle for some time now, and the Magpies are taking action over all three.
According to a new update from The Telegraph, the St James’ Park outfit have tabled bids for all three players, worth a combined total of £125million.
But while that fee may seem sizeable on the face of things, there is still a sense that Newcastle will have to offer much more than that if they are to have a real hope of getting those signings done.
Anthony Elanga’s stats for Nottingham Forest in the 2024/25 season. (Credit: Getty Images)Newcastle United to fall short with initial offers
When it comes to Pedro, it is stated that his side are keen to “maximise” his value, and it is understood Brighton will demand up to £60million for the striker, amid a possible threat from Chelsea.
As a result, it is unlikely that they would accept the Magpies’ reported offer of £50million, when they feel they can get more from the sale of the Brazilian.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest are apparently adamant that Elanga is not for sale, and so the £50million offer Newcastle are said to be making for him will also surely fall short.
That is particularly the case given the Sweden international still has three years left on his contract, ensuring his club are under no pressure to sell either.
It is also noted that agreeing a fee for one of Pedro or Elanga could see Howe‘s side drop their interest in the other, further diminishing the chances of this triple deal being completed.
Howe wants signings early but continues to wait – Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media
Meanwhile, Burnley have apparently set a £30million-plus asking price for Trafford, so an apparent bid of £25m will likely fall short as well.
Indeed, all three clubs are reportedly keen for more money for their players than what is being offered by Newcastle here.
Given they have been linked with all three players for several weeks at least, that is something the Magpies ought to be aware of already.
Some may therefore see this triple bid as little more than bluster from those at St James’ Park, especially given they may not even pay up for one of Pedro or Elanga.
It has been reported by both The Telegraph and The i that Newcastle will move on quickly from their targets if they can not get them.
Yet their pursuit of all three of these players is already feeling drawn out when rivals have already done extensive business, which may hint at a lack of clarity on transfer planning, especially given they are yet to commit to either Pedro or Elanga over the other.
With all that in mind, there may be some concern for Newcastle fans about exactly what all this says about the situation the club are in as they look to make those all-important signings this summer.
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