Elliot Anderson is unlikely to be returning to Newcastle United anytime soon despite links with a move away from Nottingham Forest.
Elliot Anderson is set to be one of the most sought-after English players this summer as he continues to impress in a struggling Nottingham Forest side.
Forest are under threat of relegation from the Premier League this season. Should they go down, Anderson would almost certainly be sold on given the well-documented interest in him.
The 23-year-old midfielder has flourished since leaving Newcastle United in 2024 for £35million, a joint club-record sale at the time.
But the deal only came about due to Newcastle’s desperate PSR situation as they felt forced to sell Anderson in order to avoid a points deduction.
The move has ultimately worked out for all parties to some degree as Newcastle avoided a points deduction and went on to secure Champions League qualification and win the Carabao Cup on the back of it while Forest secured a high-potential player for a relatively low cost as Odysseas Vlachodimos went in the opposite direction for £20million.
Regular first team football benefited Anderson massively as he established himself as a key player in Forest’s side as they finished seventh in the Premier League and secured Europa League football on the back of it. The Geordie midfielder’s form at club level also saw him break into the England senior set-up, with his decision to switch allegiance from Scotland proving to be a smart one in hindsight.
Anderson is on course to head to the World Cup with England this summer. But he could also have a busy summer at club level as a few clubs monitor his situation.
Forest are looking to at least double their money for Anderson with talkSPORT reporting that the club value the midfielder in excess of £70million.
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Manchester City close to Elliot Anderson deal
According to various reports, Manchester City are the frontrunners to sign Anderson this summer. Manchester United have also been credited with a strong interest, though it has been claimed the midfielder would prefer a move to the Etihad Stadium over Old Trafford.
All signs are pointing to Manchester City as Anderson’s next destination should he leave Forest this summer.
But where does that leave Newcastle, who have been very open about their desire to re-sign Anderson from Forest?
Could NUFC make a move for Elliot Anderson this summer?
While Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe is usually tight-lipped when it comes to discussing transfers and players at other clubs, he has openly admitted he ‘would love’ to have Anderson back at the club.
But the Magpies have no clauses that would give them an advantage over their rivals when it comes to securing a deal for their former player.
The only advantage Newcastle have is sentimental, with the player understood to be keen to return to his boyhood club one day, provided it is right for his career.
Anderson had continued to show his connection with Newcastle since leaving to join Forest. He was in attendance with the Newcastle supporters at Wembley Stadium as they lifted the Carabao Cup a year ago today.
Newcastle’s sporting director Ross Wilson helped facilitate the move that saw Anderson leave the club and join Forest during his previous role at the City Ground.
Back in 2024, it was clear Wilson knew he’d secured an excellent deal for Forest, albeit a frustrating one for his future employers.
“We are all delighted to welcome Elliot to Nottingham Forest and pleased that he has chosen to continue to develop his talent with us in the Premier League,” Wilson said last summer.
"We are sure he will thrive in a Forest shirt, as other players in his age profile have done. As soon as the opportunity arose for him to potentially join, it was something we were all excited to make happen.”
Since being appointed as sporting director at Newcastle, Wilson has been asked about Anderson once again.
Back in December, Wilson simply smirked and said: “I like him a lot.”
But Newcastle are likely to be priced out of a deal with Manchester City set to make a move this summer.
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