Manchester City have learned the final price for Elliot Anderson after Nottingham Forest rejected a second bid. Forest are demanding a Premier League record fee of up to £130 million for the 23-year-old England midfielder.
Forest Hold Firm for Record Fee
On Wednesday, Forest turned down City's second offer, believed to be worth £106 million plus £15 million in bonuses. According to the Daily Mail, Forest are insisting on a package of £110 million up front and £20 million in bonuses before sanctioning Anderson's move.
Despite two rejected bids, Anderson has made no secret of his desire to join City. There is growing confidence that an agreement will be reached this summer. If City secure Anderson for £130 million, it would shatter the Premier League transfer record and make him the third most expensive player in football history, behind Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
Manchester United Pursue Alternatives
Manchester United had previously shown interest in Anderson but are now expected to pursue other midfield targets after City's second offer, with the asking price deemed excessive. West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes sits at the top of their shortlist, though the Hammers are demanding roughly £80 million for the 21-year-old, despite their relegation to the Championship.
United have already agreed a deal to sign Atalanta's Ederson for £35 million plus £3.8 million in add-ons. They are keen to bolster their midfield further with at least one, possibly two, additional signings ahead of their Champions League return. United also hold an interest in Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, who has been training with England in North America ahead of the World Cup but will now head back before the tournament begins.
Michael Carrick's outfit also hold Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid in high regard, though the France international is expected to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu following Jose Mourinho's appointment as manager.
Midfield Gaps at United
With Casemiro departing at the expiry of his contract and Manuel Ugarte set to leave United, Kobbie Mainoo remains the sole recognised senior central midfielder currently on the books at the Red Devils. However, with the World Cup about to start and the 2026/27 campaign still over two months away, United are determined not to rush and retain sufficient time to bolster their squad.
