NEWCASTLE United were knocked back after making an audacious transfer deadline day move for Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga.

Elanga was identified as a target by the Magpies earlier this summer but at that stage Newcastle were prioritising a centre-half.

Eddie Howe confirmed earlier this week that Newcastle would be unable to land both a right-winger and a centre-back in the final week of the window, with a defender at that stage still the leading priority.

But with the Magpies having had to admit defeat in their pursuit of Marc Guehi and with Howe reluctant to turn to other targets, they revisited their interest in Elanga.

A £35m enquiry is said to have been made but Newcastle were instantly knocked back. Nottingham Forest are said to be unwilling to do business unless an offer that's too good to turn down is tabled.

Meanwhile, Newcastle defender Harrison Ashby has joined Championship side QPR on loan for the season.