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Nottingham Forest have completed the biggest transfer deal in their history by selling Elliot Anderson to Manchester City for £130m, a British record fee for a player.
It is a significant piece of business for Forest, who signed Anderson from Newcastle for £35m just two years ago. The deal strengthens their position under spending rules and provides scope to reinvest in the squad.
Forest will not compete in Europe in the 2026/27 season, reducing the need for the heavy recruitment drive seen last year.
Owner Evangelos Marinakis is still expected to demand a strong domestic campaign after a turbulent season that saw four managers and a relegation battle lasting until the end.
The club had long anticipated Anderson’s departure and had started identifying replacements. According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones is among the players being considered as Forest look to strengthen their midfield.
The report claims that “Forest are also thought to be considering Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones. Jones has one year remaining on his contract and it is thought the Reds will listen to offers for the 25-year-old, who is also of interest to Inter Milan.
“The Italian champions had a £21m bid rejected last week and it is thought Liverpool will not consider any offer below £35m.
“The one issue is whether Jones, having been a useful but never a crucial player for his boyhood team, would be keen to join what he might deem a lower-ranked club. Some players like that also struggle to adapt when they are suddenly expected to be a key man for a new team.”
Jones has just one year remaining on his current contract at Anfield. Inter Milan were interested in his availability in January and proposed a loan with an option to buy, but Liverpool rejected the approach.
The homegrown midfielder joined Liverpool’s academy at the age of nine and signed his first professional contract in 2018.
In Jurgen Klopp’s final season and Arne Slot’s first, Jones appeared to be making the step up from squad player to regular starter. However, he has struggled to establish himself as a consistent first-team regular, with mixed performances in key matches.
Last season, the England international racked up 49 appearances, scored three goals, and provided three assists for Liverpool in all competitions.