Newcastle then stepped up their interest by making an offer. Last week, the Reds batted away a reported £45m bid for Elanga. The St James' Park outfit are still seemingly undeterred, however. In recent days they are said to have come calling with £50m on the table - still less than Forest's £60m valuation.

The Magpies are hopeful a full agreement to sign Elanga will be reached this weekend, with details emerging of the player Nott'm Forest wanted to sign in return