With Newcastle United now confident that they'll sign Anthony Elanga, Nottingham Forest have reportedly entered the race to sign his replacement in a deal worth over £50m.

Newcastle optimistic about Elanga deal

After rejecting Newcastle's initial offer, some around the City Ground may have been hopeful that would be the end of the Magpies' chase to sign Elanga, but that has proved to be far from the case. Instead, the Magpies have reportedly returned with an offer worth £55m and are now optimistic that they'll secure the Swede's signature, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Given the importance of Elanga in Nuno Espirito Santo's side last season, it would be an undeniable blow if Forest were to lose the winger to Newcastle this summer. As ever though, their attention is likely to turn towards incomings of their own.

Already, those in the Midlands have welcomed a fresh attacking boost in the form of Botafogo star Igor Jesus and now they could shift their focus towards other reinforcements.

After putting pen to paper, Jesus told Forest's official website: “I’m really happy to be a part of this new story, especially at a club like Nottingham Forest.

"I didn’t have to think twice about the offer, I embraced it. I embraced the project that they sent me. I am delighted to be coming here and hope to do some great work. I will do my very best to achieve great results and bring joy to all the Forest family."

With Jesus secure and Elanga potentially leaving, reports are now suggesting that Forest's efforts have turned towards a winger who's worth over £50m this summer.

Nottingham Forest join race to sign Lookman

According to reports in Spain, Nottingham Forest have now joined the race to sign Ademola Lookman from Atalanta, who are set to demand as much as €60m (£52m) to sell their star man this summer. Joined by Atletico Madrid and Midlands rivals Aston Villa in the battle for the Nigerian winger, Forest will hope that the funds gained by potentially selling Elanga are enough to jump ahead of their competitors.

Losing Elanga but replacing him with Lookman could quickly prove to be an act of genius by all involved at Nottingham Forest. The latter enjoyed a sensational season in Italy last time out, scoring 20 goals in all competitions, and could finally prove any doubters wrong in the Premier League following tough spells at Everton, Fulham and Leicester City.

Full of praise, former Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini told reporters last season: “Lookman became a fantastic player when he improved his perception of the team. He used to have a more individual approach.

"He wasn’t a bad guy, but he mostly focused on the individual. He made Atalanta great, and Atalanta made him great. I am convinced he can be the captain before the end of the season.”