Manchester City’s second bid for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson rejected

Manchester City have had a second bid rejected by Nottingham Forest for midfielder Elliot Anderson, with the latest offer understood to be worth £120 million in total. The proposal reportedly included an initial payment of £106 million plus add-ons. City have stepped up their pursuit of the 23-year-old England international, and a deal for Anderson would surpass the £105 million Arsenal paid West Ham for Declan Rice in 2023, setting a new record fee for an English player.

Forest previously turned down City’s opening offer earlier this month, but talks may continue while Anderson is with the England squad preparing for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Club-to-club negotiations can still take place even as the player focuses on international duty. Anderson started England’s 3-0 win over Costa Rica on Wednesday in the final warm-up match before the Three Lions begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia on 17 June.

Anderson is said to favour a move to Manchester City over Manchester United, with personal terms not expected to be an obstacle. United are believed to be out of the race, having decided against entering a bidding war and preferring to target players who are fully committed to joining them.

City have admired Anderson for some time and are looking to strengthen their midfield following Bernardo Silva’s expected departure when his contract expires. The former Newcastle academy graduate joined Forest from Newcastle in 2024 for £35 million and has since made 92 appearances for the club, scoring six goals. He was one of Forest’s standout performers last season as they reached the Europa League semi-finals and avoided relegation from the Premier League despite changing managers four times.

Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali is also thought to be on City’s radar, with reports indicating the Italy international has been monitored as a possible long-term target.