Elanga was given an extended break by his current club after international fixtures meant his season extended into June.
But the winger’s days at Forest appear to be numbered, with Newcastle having last week launched a fresh £55m offer for the 23-year-old.
The deal between the clubs has not yet been finalised but is said to be close, as talks over certain details continue.
Elanga is understood to be keen on the move to Tyneside, and as the winger awaits developments he flew out to Portugal for a mini bootcamp in preparation for the coming season.
He’s linked up with individual strength and conditioning coach Tom Joyce, who works with a number of Premier League stars.
Explaining the importance of his work at this time of the year, Joyce previously told Sky Sports: “There is no sort of off-season anymore.
“Pre-season is a very short time, you only get a four-week window to be able to implement what you want to. In the off-season, it’s about giving players the right tools to prepare themselves for the next season but also making it enjoyable.
“We’re not here just to graft and pass out on the floor so you can be sick the fastest, we’re here to build a process towards being prepped.
“Where I come in becomes a pre-pre-season and it’s all about maximizing the time, maximizing the time we’ve got to make sure that they’re set for their pre-season.”
Providing Newcastle get the deal over the line, signing Elanga will finally end the club’s long-running search for a new right-sided attacker. Elanga been a long-term target for Eddie Howe.
James Trafford, another long-term target, is on the brink of joining Newcastle, but efforts to strengthen at centre-half continue, with Atalanta having told the Magpies they are determined to keep hold of in-demand centre-half Giorgio Scalvini.
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Newcastle’s players reported back for pre-season on Monday, with Joelinton expected to be one of those in training in what is a huge boost for Howe.
The Brazilian midfielder missed the end of last season with a knee injury.
United, meanwhile, are understood to have agreed an extension with experienced goalkeeper John Ruddy, who is set to stay at St James’ Park for another season.
Ruddy didn’t play a single minute for Newcastle last year but Howe valued the 38-year-old’s experience and presence behind the scenes.
He said last season: “I can’t praise people like John enough. John has come into the football club and he has fully embraced everything we do.
“He is here for youth games and reserve games. He has really invested in trying to help people. Every player I am sure he has touched in some way. John has been a vital part of what we have done this year.”
