Manchester City have made an opening bid for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, but Forest have rejected the offer as they seek the best possible deal for one of their most valuable players. City’s interest in the England international is ongoing, and any transfer is expected to require a major fee, with recent Premier League moves for Declan Rice, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez seen as benchmarks for elite midfield prices.
Anderson, 23, is currently with England at a training camp in Florida as Thomas Tuchel prepares his squad for the World Cup next year in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Forest are not actively looking to sell him, but there is a growing acceptance that he could leave this summer if the right offer arrives. He still has three years left on his contract, giving Forest a strong negotiating position.
Manchester United have also shown interest in Anderson, although they are believed to be unwilling to match the level Forest may demand. United are instead pursuing other midfield options, and The Athletic has reported that they have agreed a deal with Atalanta for Ederson.
A move to City would come during a major period of change at the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola has departed after 10 years as manager, while experienced players John Stones and Bernardo Silva have also left. City are looking to strengthen with top-level, homegrown talent, and Anderson is viewed as a strong fit because of his Premier League experience, age and versatility.
Forest signed Anderson from Newcastle United in a £35 million deal that also involved goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos moving in the opposite direction. Anderson was effectively valued at £15 million in that transaction and has since become one of Forest’s most important players. He has made 92 appearances for the club and featured 50 times in all competitions this season.
His rise has made him highly sought after. Anderson has developed into one of the Premier League’s most dynamic midfielders, combining ball progression, pressing resistance and defensive intensity. He took on a central role for Forest, often driving the team forward from deep areas while also contributing goals and assists. He scored four goals and added four assists in the latest Premier League campaign.
For Forest, Anderson’s influence has been immense. He is widely regarded as one of the club’s best value signings in the modern era and played a key role in keeping the team in the division. Replacing him would be difficult, but the club have been preparing for the possibility of his departure.
City see him as a potential replacement for Bernardo Silva and a player capable of stepping straight into the team. Forest, meanwhile, are expected to hold firm unless any suitor meets a premium valuation for a midfielder who has quickly established himself among the most impressive young talents in English football.
