EXCLUSIVE: Manchester City have been determined to land England star Elliot Anderson, but Nottingham Forest's reluctance to play ball in negotiations could trigger a change of heart
Elliot Anderson #8 of England
Nottingham Forest's valuation could scupper a deal for Elliot Anderson (Image: Eddie Keogh/The FA via Getty Images)
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Manchester City are considering walking away from a deal to sign England superstar Elliot Anderson. City have seen a second offer of £120million for Anderson rejected by Nottingham Forest.
It's understood the deal was made up of £100m plus £20m of add-ons, depending on Anderson's success at the Etihad. But Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is holding out for the overall fee being paid in full.
City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak is not prepared to get into a bidding war over the 23-year-old midfielder. Al-Mubarak believes City's offer is a fair one for someone who still has a lot to prove - and hasn't even played in the Champions League.
The offer would make Anderson the most expensive Englishman in history, ahead of his Three Lions team-mates Jude Bellingham (£115m to Real Madrid) and Declan Rice (£105m to Arsenal).
The City chief has shown in the past he is prepared to pull out of negotiations and look elsewhere, if he thinks he is being held to ransom. Like what he did when Liverpool signed Virgil Van Dijk back in 2018.
City have pursued Anderson for several months and remain keen on luring him to the Etihad, but the deal has to be right for them. Anderson, who is on World Cup duty with England, has made it clear he wants to join City ahead of Manchester United and Chelsea.
Anderson joined Forest from Newcastle United for £35m in 2024 and has gone on to establish himself as one of the best young players in English football.
Incoming City manager Enzo Maresca wants to bolster his midfield options, following the departure of Bernardo Silva. Anderson is also viewed as a long-term replacement for Rodri, who has been linked with a return to Spain at some stage in the future.
Manchester City have made a second bid for Elliot Anderson
Manchester City saw a second bid rejected for Elliot Anderson(Image: Getty Images)
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Anderson is currently away with England and fully focused on the World Cup, where he is in line to start against Croatia next week. Thomas Tuchel is not concerned by Anderson taking his eye off the ball with his club future up in the air.
“He's a top player. There's nothing more to say, he's the full package. I'm happy that he's with us on that kind of level and he's a key player for us," the England boss said after the 3-0 win over Costa Rica.
“The bid? No comment! He seems not affected. It was an amazing performance against Costa Rica, he's fine.
“I won't speak to him about it. My assistant coach spoke with him about it but I won't. It should push him because it's proof of what he's capable to do and what level he can perform. At the moment it seems like a push for him.
Thomas Tuchel, Manager of England, shakes hands with Elliot Anderson
Thomas Tuchel isn't worried about the speculation affecting Elliot Anderson(Image: Eddie Keogh/The FA via Getty Images)
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“Even if a transfer is completed, hopefully he stays the same person. Nothing will change overnight with him if he wakes up, he's not a new player.
“People will try to hang around his neck this price but in reality nothing changes. He just changes the club, that's the rules of the game. Hopefully he just stays the same - a humble, determined, hungry football player. Absolutely, he is very level-headed.
“I hope it boosts his confidence (if it happens). I don't want to go into it too much if it's a boost or not a boost - what I see on the training pitch is no distractions, full commitment, that's what comes from him.”
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