Ex-England Coach Puts £100m Price Tag on Forest Midfielder
Former England coach Joleon Lescott has declared that Manchester United would need to pay a staggering £100 million to secure the transfer of Nottingham Forest's in-form midfielder Elliot Anderson this summer. The 23-year-old has attracted significant attention from top Premier League clubs following his sensational performances this season.
Anderson's Meteoric Rise and England Ambitions
Since leaving his childhood club Newcastle United for Nottingham Forest, Elliot Anderson has developed into one of the Premier League's most coveted young talents. His impressive form earned him a debut for the England national team last year under manager Thomas Tuchel, and he now harbours serious ambitions of making the World Cup squad.
Anderson told Sky Sports: "My dream was to play for Newcastle because I never expected to play for England but it tops everything off. First, I'm selected and I'm over the moon to be there, training with great players. But you want to make an impression, show the team that I am a good player."
"It's my dream playing for England and playing with the best players brings out the best in me. England's aim now is to win the trophies. It sounds good, doesn't it?" Anderson added, emphasising his commitment to international success.
Manchester United's Midfield Search Intensifies
Manchester United are reportedly actively seeking a new superstar midfielder for the summer transfer window, with Anderson's name featuring prominently alongside other targets like Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Brighton's Carlos Baleba. The anticipated departure of Casemiro at season's end will create a substantial void in United's midfield that requires urgent attention.
Lescott, who worked directly with Anderson during his time with England's Under-21 squad, provided specific insight during a recent episode of the In The Mixer podcast sponsored by Sky Bet. When discussing Anderson's potential transfer, Lescott stated unequivocally: "He's a £100million player, isn't he? Especially after he plays at the World Cup."
Relegation Concerns Could Force Forest's Hand
The conversation on In The Mixer also addressed Nottingham Forest's precarious position in the Premier League table. Lescott and his guest both predicted Forest would join Burnley and Wolves in facing relegation this season, which could significantly impact Anderson's transfer situation.
Lescott explained the financial dynamics: "You're not going to sell him before, are you? You're going to sell him after the World Cup. [If Forest go down] they have to sell. But then there are more teams interested. They go down, more teams come in. Because if he's in the Premier League, it's, 'He's not leaving unless it's £100m.' Then there are only two or three [interested] teams."
Anderson himself recognises the challenges ahead, stating: "There's a long way to go to get to the World Cup. I have to treat every game until then as a World Cup final and then hopefully I can get to one. I can't wait. If I'm there I'll have all of my family with me. It's really exciting, to be honest. Very exciting."
The young midfielder's combination of current form, international pedigree, and future potential has created what Lescott believes is a £100 million valuation that Manchester United or any other interested club would need to meet to secure his signature during the upcoming transfer window.
