Manchester City’s second offer worth £120m for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson has been rejected, as the Premier League champions push to break the British transfer record. The bid, comprising an initial £106m plus add-ons, would have eclipsed the £105m Arsenal paid for Declan Rice in 2023. Anderson’s preference remains a move to the Etihad Stadium over Manchester United, and personal terms are not an issue, according to sources. City had an earlier offer turned down earlier this month. United are effectively out of the running, having decided not to enter a bidding war and only wanting players eager to join them.
Anderson, 23, helped Forest reach the Europa League semi-finals and avoid relegation last season, and is currently preparing for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. He started England’s 3-0 win over Costa Rica on Wednesday, the final friendly before their opening game against Croatia on 17 June. City are seeking to bolster their midfield after Bernardo Silva’s departure at the end of his contract, and Anderson tops their list of targets.
“Man City's £120m bid for Elliot Anderson rejected; Man Utd schedule Ederson medical at World Cup.”
Meanwhile, United are closing in on a £38.7m deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with a medical scheduled for Sunday in New York while the Brazilian is on World Cup duty. The fee is a £34.9m fixed sum plus £3.8m in potential bonuses, and Ederson has agreed a four-year contract with an option for a further 12 months. The 25-year-old was called up to Brazil’s squad after an injury setback. Adding midfielders is a priority for Michael Carrick’s side, who have returned to the Champions League after an impressive 2026. Casemiro has left after his contract expired, and United are open to offers for Manuel Ugarte. Ederson would likely be complemented by another midfielder already playing in the Premier League; United have been linked with Sandro Tonali, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton, and retain an interest in Anderson, though his preference for City remains.
England manager Thomas Tuchel said he would not stand in the way of any transfer business involving his players at the World Cup, provided it is handled discreetly. "If it is quietly done, privately done, done efficiently, we are always happy to help to have clarity around the player," Tuchel said. "I think the best we can have is clarity. If anyone has the chance to complete a change of club and a transfer, we will not stand in the way."
With Anderson’s future still in the balance and Ederson’s medical imminent, the summer transfer window is already delivering high drama—even as the World Cup takes centre stage.