Nottingham Forest Reject Manchester City’s Offer For Anderson

Nottingham Forest have rejected an initial bid from Manchester City for midfielder Elliot Anderson, as the Premier League champions look to strengthen their engine room.

According to reports, the 23-year-old England international is increasingly likely to leave the City Ground this summer, with City now moving ahead of Manchester United in the chase for his signature. BBC Sport had previously revealed that Anderson feels more drawn to a move to the Etihad than to Old Trafford.

City’s first formal approach has been knocked back, though there is a growing sense that a deal will eventually be struck. The Athletic first reported the failed bid.

Anderson was one of Forest’s standout performers last season and has earned a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the upcoming World Cup. Should a transfer materialise, the fee could break the British transfer record, surpassing the £105 million Arsenal paid West Ham for Declan Rice in 2023.

Manchester City have tracked the Newcastle academy product for some time. Anderson is currently focused on preparing for the World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico, but talks between clubs are allowed to continue in the background.

With captain Bernardo Silva set to depart, City are prioritising a midfield addition, and Anderson heads their shortlist. Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali is also highly regarded by City, with the Italian seen as a longer-term target.

Meanwhile, Nico Gonzalez left out of Spain’s World Cup squad and out of favour under Pep Guardiola last season could be sold if a suitable offer arrives.

Sources add that City are also targeting a young, natural right-back to eventually succeed Matheus Nunes, 28, who impressed after being converted from midfield this season.