Manchester City are preparing to make a second bid for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson after their first offer was rejected.
According to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, City are willing to pay more than £80m for the England international, but Forest are still holding firm and could demand a fee close to what Arsenal paid for Declan Rice.
This is a serious move by City and shows their determination to strengthen their midfield.
After a season of change and uncertainty, they need more energy, ball-running and Premier League-proven quality in the middle of the pitch.
Man United are looking forward to the final stages of the transfer drama
Manchester United are not giving up, but they know City are currently leading the race.
The Guardian reports that United believe they can still compete for the 23-year-old, despite City being favorites and having already made their first official move.
For United, this interest is understandable. Manager Michael Carrick is rebuilding his midfield, with United already agreeing a £35m deal with Atalanta’s Ederson.
Anderson would add a different profile with more ball carrying, Premier League experience and tactical flexibility.
Man City are ready to test Forest’s resolve
Forest are under no pressure to sell cheap. Anderson joined from Newcastle in 2024 for around £35m and has been one of their most important players since then.
Sky Sports reported that Forest are expected to be rated higher as they rejected City’s initial bid and recent elite midfielders have moved on for huge transfer fees.
His numbers show why the club is circling. He scored four goals and provided four assists in 38 games last season, earning him a spot in England’s squad for the World Cup.
City look like the favored club at the moment. They have moved on, can offer a clear role in top-level midfield and appear ready to pay a hefty fee.
United will need to keep trying, but they may need to move quickly and decisively.
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