Nottingham Forest have rejected a second enormous bid from Manchester City for midfielder Elliot Anderson, with the Premier League champions offering £106 million plus add-ons that could take the total to over £120 million. However, Forest are holding out for a higher guaranteed fee, according to reports.
Forest Demand British Transfer Record
The Tricky Trees are only willing to sell the 23-year-old for a British transfer record fee. Liverpool set that benchmark last summer when they signed Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for £125 million. Forest want more than that amount guaranteed from any potential buyer for their star midfielder this year.
Nottingham Forest paid Newcastle £35 million for Anderson when he arrived in 2024, meaning any sale would represent an enormous profit. The England international's profile has vastly increased over the last two seasons, making him one of the most sought-after players in the Premier League.
Manchester United Also Interested
Manchester City are not the only club keen on Anderson, with Manchester United also expressing a desire to sign him this summer. However, the Red Devils may be unwilling to outbid City in what would be an eye-wateringly expensive bidding war. While City have been favourites for some time, a report earlier this week suggested United chiefs fancied their chances of beating their local rivals to his signature. As Forest dig their heels in over a monumental fee, that optimism appears misplaced.
Manchester United have several other midfield targets, having already agreed a deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta. Other players on their radar include West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, Brighton's Carlos Baleba, and Bournemouth's Alex Scott. Lazio's Nigeria international Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is also reportedly a surprise name liked by United decision-makers.
