Manchester City’s pursuit of Elliot Anderson has hit another obstacle after Nottingham Forest turned down a second offer worth up to £120 million for the England midfielder.
The Premier League champions remain determined to bring the 23-year-old to the Etihad Stadium and recently returned with an improved proposal believed to be worth an initial £106 million plus performance-related bonuses.
Despite the eye-watering figure, Forest have once again rejected City’s advances as they fight to keep one of their most valuable players.
Had the deal gone through at the proposed valuation, Anderson would have become the most expensive English footballer in history, surpassing the £105 million Arsenal paid West Ham United for Declan Rice in 2023.
City’s interest in the midfielder is long-standing.
The former Newcastle United academy graduate has enjoyed a remarkable rise since joining Nottingham Forest in a £35 million move in 2024. Since arriving at the City Ground, Anderson has established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders and a key figure in Forest’s resurgence.
Last season he played a central role as Forest reached the Europa League semi-finals and comfortably retained their top-flight status despite enduring a turbulent campaign that saw the club appoint four different managers.
His performances have also elevated his standing on the international stage.
Anderson started for England in their 3-0 victory over Costa Rica in the Three Lions’ final World Cup warm-up match and is currently preparing for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
While the player remains focused on international duty, negotiations between the clubs are expected to continue.
Reports suggest Anderson favours a move to Manchester City if he leaves Forest this summer, with personal terms not expected to present any difficulties.
Manchester United had also monitored the midfielder but are now understood to be out of the running. The Red Devils reportedly chose not to engage in a bidding war and have accepted that Anderson’s preference lies elsewhere.
City’s pursuit comes amid plans to reshape their midfield following the departure of Bernardo Silva at the end of his contract.
City have identified Anderson as their top target to strengthen the engine room, although Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali is also believed to remain on the club’s radar.
Forest’s resistance demonstrates just how highly they value Anderson, but City’s determination suggests the transfer saga is far from over.
With a British record fee already on the table and the player interested in the move, attention now turns to whether Manchester City are prepared to return with an even bigger offer.
