Premier League champions Manchester City are reportedly leading the race to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, with the midfielder believed to prefer a move to the Etihad Stadium over rivals Manchester United.
According to reports, there is a growing expectation that Anderson could leave Nottingham Forest during the summer transfer window after an impressive season that boosted his reputation across England and Europe.
However, negotiations are still far from complete. Manchester City and Nottingham Forest reportedly remain significantly apart in their valuation of the 23-year-old midfielder. The transfer fee could potentially break the British transfer record, surpassing the £105 million fee paid by Arsenal for Declan Rice in 2023.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are said to be cautious about entering a lengthy bidding war or overpaying for the player.
Forest manager Vitor Pereira recently praised Anderson and teammate Morgan Gibbs-White, saying both players deserve “the top of the world.” Despite wanting to keep his squad together, Pereira admitted the club cannot fully control the transfer market.
“I believe if we want to compete for different goals, we need to keep the best players,” Pereira said after Forest’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth.
Anderson joined Nottingham Forest from Newcastle United in 2024 for £35 million and has since made 92 appearances while scoring six goals. He also helped England win the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship and recently earned senior international recognition.
The midfielder received a standing ovation from Forest supporters during Sunday’s match against Bournemouth after completing his 50th appearance of the season — a sign of how important he has become to the team in a short time.
With Nottingham Forest finishing 16th in the Premier League and missing out on European football next season, many believe the club may struggle to keep hold of their top stars if major offers arrive this summer.
Right now, the transfer saga feels like a chess match in expensive suits — one wrong move and somebody loses £100 million and their peace of mind.
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