What Eddie Howe likes most about Anthony Elanga, how close the deal came to collapsing and what Newcastle and Forest plan to do next

Anthony Elanga has signed for Newcastle United. He is the first major sifning for two years, and perfect for Eddie Howe.

Elanga plays predominantly on the right-hand side of the forward line, a position currently occupied by Murphy in the Newcastle starting XI. But if the popular winger is worried about his place in the side, then he showed no signs of jealousy when welcoming Elanga to Tyneside last night.

Newcastle have signed the Sweden international from Nottingham Forest for a fee of £55m. Howe, said: "I'm delighted to welcome Anthony to Newcastle United. He has been a key target for us so I'm delighted to secure him at this early part of pre-season.

If Newcastle manage to secure Trafford’s signing, manager Eddie Howe is likely to shift his focus towards a centre-back, with Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi already being discussed as a serious target for the next phase of their summer rebuild.

The top speed recorded in the Premier League last season was by Tottenham Hotspur’s Micky van de Ven, who was clocked at 37.12 kilometres per hour (23.06mph). Matheus Nunes of Manchester City was second with a best of 36.72 km/h, with Elanga a fraction behind at 36.66 km/h.

Now on late Tuesday afternoon, Sky Sports have filmed Anthony Elanga alighting from a private jet at Newcastle Airport. With the winger to start his medical tonight and after that and other formalities, set to be formally announced as a Newcastle United player by the end of the week.

Newcastle are hoping to complete the deal as quickly as possible to avoid any potential transfer hijack. The Magpies have already missed out on striker Liam Delap and Joao Pedro to Chelsea this summer, after holding initial transfer talks with the pair.