Fabrizio Romano says that the 89-goal striker is’very enthusiastic’ about the idea of joining Manchester United

An 89-goal striker has indicated he is “very excited” about the potential of joining Manchester United this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano

Manchester United’s hunt for a striker has been unsuccessful, as they were unable to recruit Liam Delap, who moved to Chelsea to rejoin with former Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca.

United have welcomed Matheus Cunha to Rúben Amorim’s first-team roster, but all other acquisitions this summer have been younger youngsters who will either join the academy or go on loan.

Cunha, who has taken Marcus Rashford’s No.10 shirt, might play as a center striker in Amorim’s team, but many believe he is most suited as a left-sided attacking midfielder.

Bryan Mbeumo might play alongside Cunha as the right-sided offensive midfielder, with Bruno Fernandes sliding deeper. However, his transfer from Brentford is stalled due to Joao Pedro’s move to Chelsea and Anthony Elanga’s move to Newcastle United.

Even if Mbeumo moves to Old Trafford this summer, a new striker remains a key target for Jason Wilcox and the recruiting staff, likely due to the dismal goalscoring form of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee last season.

Calvert-Lewin seeks a switch to United.

With United intending to invest money on new players this summer, free transfers could be a possible alternative, since several out-of-contract Premier League players are available.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Calvert-Lewin is a potential transfer target for United and is “very open” to the idea.

“What happened with Calvert-Lewin is that the player was offered to Manchester United. Man United has not begun negotiations to sign Calvert-Lewin as their new striker. The player has been offered a free transfer opportunity, which is a good deal for a player with experience, knowledge of the league, and the potential to aid any club.

“So Manchester United recorded the eventual cost of the transaction. It certainly refers to the salary, commission, and intention of the player, who is clearly eager to join Manchester United during the summer transfer window.

“But at the moment, it’s not yet a concrete negotiation.”

Newcastle confirm Anthony Elanga signing: How Manchester United will benefit from £55 million transfer

Newcastle United have signed winger Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest on a long-term contract.

The 23-year-old joins St James’ Park for a reported £52 million plus £3 million in add-ons, becoming Newcastle’s second summer signing after teenage winger Antonito Cordero.

“I’m excited, I’m really happy, but most importantly, I’m ready,” Elanga told Newcastle’s official website. “I’m eager to put on this black and white top and fight for this team, giving my best for the devoted fans who love and breathe football.

“I had a fantastic two years at Nottingham Forest, and they really helped me develop into the player I am today, but I’m delighted to be here now. The club won a trophy last season and is creating something unique and exceptional, which I am very interested in being a part of.

“I genuinely want to buy into this club’s culture and DNA. I’m very excited to be here and can’t wait to get started.”

Anthony Elanga. Newcastle United player. 😁 pic.twitter.com/6ywwQUyHvU

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) July 11, 2025

Howe is thrilled to obtain the services of “key target” Elanga

“I’m delighted to welcome Anthony to Newcastle United,” said Magpies head coach Eddie Howe. He has been a significant objective for us, so I’m thrilled to get him at this early stage of preseason.

“He is an exciting talent with characteristics that distinguish him as a distinct offensive danger. His quickness, enthusiasm, and ability to create and score goals will strengthen and compliment our style of play.

“Anthony is hungry to develop even further with us and to achieve success here, and we’re all looking forward to working with him.”

Newcastle have prioritised the signing of a new winger since Miguel Almiron’s departure in January, with Elanga providing depth and competition for Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, and Jacob Murphy.

Elanga, a 22-cap Sweden international, established himself as a key player for Forest in the 2024-25 season, helping the Tricky Trees finish eighth in the Premier League.

Only Mohamed Salah (18) and Newcastle’s Murphy (12) has more Premier League assists than Elanga (11), who also scored six goals in 38 league games for Forest.

Elanga also provided nine assists in the 2023-24 season, bringing his Premier League assist total over the last two seasons to 20, surpassing Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer (both 19), Bruno Fernandes (18), and Kevin De Bruyne (17).

Elanga will join fellow Swedish international Alexander Isak and close friend Will Osula at St James’ Park.

Manchester United will benefit from Elanga’s trade to Newcastle.

Elanga’s move to the Magpies is also expected to help his old club Manchester United, who are reportedly entitled 15% to 20% of any future winger sales profits.

The Red Devils sold Elanga to Forest for roughly £15 million in 2023 and are expected to collect between £6 million and £8 million from his £55 million move to Newcastle, which is a much-needed cash boost for Ruben Amorim, who is operating with a tight budget at Old Trafford this summer.

Romano gives Liverpool Isak HOPE as Newcastle eyes €100 million deal

According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle are interested in signing Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.

The Magpies are looking for a new striker following Callum Wilson’s departure. However, with Alexander Isak, Newcastle already has one of the best in the business in that position.

This implies Eddie Howe and colleagues may struggle to sign another elite forward unless they can promise consistent minutes.

Surprisingly, Fabrizio Romano believes that the St. James’ Park club remains interested in Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. The Frenchman has long been linked with a move to Newcastle, but only as a replacement for Isak, not as a backup or partner.

The two strikers are remarkably similar, so it’s no surprise that Ekitike is on Howe’s radar. Despite Romano’s report, it’s tough to envisage Newcastle signing the 23-year-old without trading the Swede.

Is Newcastle opening the door for an Isak sale?

Frankfurt has set a €100 million price tag on Ekitike, and they have made it clear to anyone who would listen that they will not back down from this figure.

There is speculation that Frankfurt would accept a lower initial deal that may increase to €100 million through add-ons, but any conceivable offer would have to meet that very particular sum one way or another.

Given that Newcastle have just sealed a €64 million agreement with Nottingham Forest for Anthony Elanga, it becomes unlikely that they will be able to spend €100 million on Ekitike without a substantial sale.

Chelsea has already backed out of the race to sign Ekitike because to his high cost, and Liverpool will only make a bid if they can raise finances by selling Darwin Nunez. The Reds, of course, are still interested in Isak.

Newcastle are certain that Isak will not leave, but if they believe they can seriously secure a deal for Ekitike, they may be more willing to let go of their star forward, who would undoubtedly fetch a cost in excess of €150 million and give them more market flexibility.

However, selling a top Premier League attacker – and fan favourite – and replacing him with a relatively unknown striker for an eye-watering €100 million would be a significant risk.

‘Next week’: Fabrizio Romano updates on Newcastle United transfer hijack after £21 million deal accepted

AC Milan has accepted a £21 million bid for Newcastle United’s trade target Malick Thiaw.

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Newcastle were connected with the 23-year-old centre-back last summer as Eddie Howe sought to improve his defence.

Since then, the Magpies have failed to sign Marc Guehi and traded Lloyd Kelly to Juventus, making the need for defensive reinforcements even more pressing a year later.

Thiaw has made 85 appearances for AC Milan since joining from Schalke 04 in 2022, scoring once. In September 2023, he played against Newcastle in a 0-0 Champions League draw at the San Siro, but he was unable to play the return leg due to injury.

AC Milan accepts Malick Thiaw’s transfer proposal. 

Thiaw has been widely linked with a move away from Milan this summer, with Serie A club Como having accepted a £21 million deal for the three-time Germany international.

But it was last month, and a deal has yet to be completed, with Thiaw keeping his options open.

Following the ties to Newcastle last summer, the Italian media teased a potential transfer hijack.

Newcastle United transfer hijack?
According to Italian journalist Matteo Morretto, Thiaw is delaying a move to Como in order to compete in a European competition, with Newcastle United mentioned as a possible destination.

AC Milan failed to qualify for Europe after placing ninth in Serie A and runners-up to Bologna in the Coppa Italia. Meanwhile, Cesc Fabregas, a former Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea midfielder, led Como to 10th place, 14 points behind Milan.

Newcastle will play Champions League football again this season, but Eddie Howe has yet to bolster his team this summer.

Moretto told Milan News that as time passes, it becomes more difficult for Thiaw to say yes to Como.

“They tell me that Como is doing everything they can to persuade him, but the German would like to continue playing in a European competition, if feasible.

“There is some admiration from the Premier League. Last year, Newcastle was hunting for Thiaw, and they are still looking for a central defender now.

“So keep an eye on this path, at the moment there is nothing concrete, but I can confirm that Newcastle is also evaluating Thiaw, who, in addition to returning to Germany, would be interested in an experience in the Premier League.”

Eddie Howe comments on Malick Thiaw’s interest.

When asked about Newcastle’s interest in Thiaw last summer, head coach Howe said the defender is ‘a very excellent player’ but did neither confirm or deny it.

“I’m always reluctant to comment on these things [transfer speculation],” Howe remarked when questioned about Thiaw last summer. “He’s a player I know about, of course I do, from our games in the Champions League against Milan and yeah, he’s a very good player, but that’s it.”

Fabrizio Romano delivers an update on Malick Thiaw.

Over the weekend, transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano gave an update on Thiaw’s unclear status.

“Malick Thiaw, expected to make a decision on his future by mid next week with Como waiting for an answer on their proposal,” according to Romano. “The deal between Como and AC Milan for a €25 million [£21 million] package was confirmed two weeks ago. Still up to Malick.”

Despite Thiaw’s clear reluctance to join Como, the final decision will be left to the player, who is available for £21 million. If Newcastle want to make a move, this is a transaction that might be completed swiftly, given the player’s preference to play in the Champions League.

However, Newcastle are currently considering alternative options, with Giorgio Scalvini of Atalanta and Marseille captain Leonardo Balerdi on their radar.