News Focus
- Manchester City’s first bid for Elliot Anderson has been turned down by Nottingham Forest.
- The 23-year-old England midfielder prefers joining City instead of Manchester United.
- The transfer fee could break the British record set by Declan Rice’s move to Arsenal.
- City need new midfield options after captain Bernardo Silva announced his departure.
- Anderson is currently preparing for the World Cup with the England squad.
Nottingham Forest have rejected an opening offer from Manchester City for highly-rated midfielder Elliot Anderson. The Premier League champions tabled their first formal approach for the 23-year-old, but the City Ground club quickly dismissed the proposal.
Sources suggest the deal could still proceed this summer. Last week, reports indicated that the England international favours a switch to the Etihad Stadium rather than accepting interest from local rivals Manchester United. Anderson joined Forest from Newcastle United’s academy and enjoyed an outstanding campaign last season.
The potential transfer fee might establish a new record for a British footballer. Experts believe the final amount could surpass the £105 million that Arsenal paid West Ham United for Declan Rice in 2023. Anderson’s excellent performances earned him a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the upcoming World Cup in North America.
Manchester City are eager to strengthen their midfield following the confirmed exit of club captain Bernardo Silva. Manager Pep Guardiola views Anderson as a priority target to fill this gap. The Premier League champions are also monitoring Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali as an alternative option.
Elsewhere at the club, Spanish midfielder Nico Gonzalez could leave if a suitable offer arrives. The player lost his place in the team last season and did not make Spain’s World Cup squad. Additionally, City hope to recruit a young right-back to provide competition for Matheus Nunes, who successfully moved from midfield to defence this term.