Nottingham Forest are now considering a summer move for an "unbelievable" midfielder, who is attracting widespread interest from the Premier League.
Anderson's future at the City Ground in doubt
Having been a key player throughout the campaign, starting every single Premier League game, Elliot Anderson is poised to play a major role for Forest in the final seven games of the season, which will decide whether they remain in the top flight.
The Tricky Trees signed off with what could be a hugely important 3-0 victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium prior to the international break, which moved them three points clear of the relegation zone, and Anderson put in a solid display, making six tackles and completing three key passes.
However, the Englishman's future at the City Ground is up in the air, with Chris Waddle recently suggesting he could be willing to return to Newcastle United: "Elliot Anderson is a Newcastle fan," Waddle said. “He’s a Geordie. He probably couldn’t believe he got sold to Nottingham Forest in the first place but he’s enjoying his football, he’s in the England team, and it looks like he’ll be going to the World Cup.
"He'll not be in a rush but the chance of going back to Newcastle? I'm sure he's always wanted to play in those black and white stripes and I'm sure he'll be up for it. But I think, again, there'll be a lot of competition."
Indeed, competition could be fierce, with Manchester United and Manchester City also keen, and if Vitor Pereiera's side do decide to cash-in, they should have ample funds to bring in a replacement, as a £100m price tag has been touted.
Forest eyeing summer move for "unbelievable" midfielder
According to a report from Football Insider, Nottingham Forest are now considering a move for a new midfielder, namely Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney, who is expected to cost around £30m, and Mick Brown has suggested he'll be keen on a Premier League move very soon.
The former scout said: "Nottingham Forest need a midfielder and he’s somebody they were keen on in January, they see him as probably the best midfielder in the Championship.
Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney in action with Ipswich Town's Sammie Szmodics
"So if Middlesbrough are still in the second division next season, he’s going to be keen to make the step up, and Forest would be a good destination for him.
"They’ve got money to spend and they want to improve the squad, so they’ll be keeping a close eye on what happens between now and the end of the season."
The 23-year-old has certainly earned the chance to prove himself in the top flight, having been Boro's most consistent performer this season, with an average FotMob match rating of 7.64 in the Championship ranking him first in the squad.
In 38 second tier matches, the defensive midfielder has chipped in with five goals and eight assists, and he has earned high praise from manager Kim Hellberg, who said: "The quality he has as a player is unbelievable. The way he drives with the ball… He's working on his finishing, and that we have seen with some brilliant finishes."
Hackney could be a top signing for Forest, but they should try and keep hold of Anderson regardless, with the former Newcastle man still under contract at the City Ground until 2029.
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