Nottingham Forest 'close to agreeing deal for Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga'

Manchester United are reportedly close to agreeing a price with Nottingham Forest for winger Anthony Elanga.

Despite initially showing promise in the first team after progressing through the academy setup, Elanga has dropped down the pecking order at Old Trafford.

Although the Sweden international was provided with 16 outings in the Premier League during 2022-23, he accumulated just 426 minutes of football.

The last of those appearances came on March 5 as United were thrashed 7-0 by Liverpool at Anfield, and United have been happy to listen to offers for the 21-year-old.

With Erik ten Hag having turned down loan interest in the past, it has been unclear whether the Red Devils would consider both permanent or temporary exits this summer.

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The likes of Everton, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund have all been credited with an interest in Elanga, who still has three years left on his contract.

However, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, United are allegedly open to cashing in on Elanga with Forest having made an approach for the playmaker.

Forest and United have been in constant dialogue regarding a permanent deal for Dean Henderson, the goalkeeper having spent last season on loan at the East Midlands.

Romano adds that Forest are instead looking to sign Henderson on another season-long loan, yet suggests that Elanga may move to the City Ground on a full-time basis.

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In sharp contrast to last year, Steve Cooper is yet to be active in the market this summer, with the club instead beginning the process of freeing up space in their overly-populated squad.

That said, arrivals are now expected in due course, Romano confirming reports elsewhere that versatile wide player Ola Aina is on the brink of arriving as a free agent.

While Cooper is well stocked for options in the final third, his squad lacks genuine wingers, and Elanga possesses the qualities to be deployed on either flank.

Should Elanga leave United, he will do so having made a total of 55 appearances in all competitions - 39 of which have come in the Premier League - with a total of four goals being netted since his debut in May 2021.