Last week, Mark Douglas at the iPaper hinted that this week could see Newcastle United finally ‘ramp up’ their summer transfer plans.
So far, no major signings have arrived, but our attempts to bring in key targets have clearly intensified, with three bids launched.
Tuesday brought news from David Ornstein that our £45m bid for Anthony Elanga was turned down by Nottingham Forest, and it looks like our opening offers for James Trafford and Joao Pedro have also been knocked back.
Two more bids rejected
In his latest piece for The Times, North East reporter Martin Hardy revealed late last night that Burnley have turned down our £25m bid for Trafford, with Brighton rejecting our offer of £50m for Pedro.
Hardy reports that our £25m offer for Trafford went in last weekend, with Burnley waiting for another approach as they stand by their asking price of ‘more than £30m.’
Newcastle are set to return with another bid, with this coming after Fabrizio Romano reported yesterday that we’re hoping to agree a fee in the coming days, knowing personal terms will not be a problem.
It’s currently unclear if Newcastle will return with a second bid for Pedro after offering £50m earlier this week.
The Brazilian and Swedish winger Elanga are clearly high on Eddie Howe’s wishlist, but it will be interesting to see if other options will be explored should Brighton and Forest stand by reported £60m valuations for each.
£25m for James Trafford ❌
£50m for João Pedro ❌
£45m for Anthony Elanga ❌Newcastle United aren’t having much luck in the transfer market so far after bids for Trafford and Pedro are the latest to fail, reports @mhardysport https://t.co/Lg26EKinS3
— Times Sport (@TimesSport) June 26, 2025
