Manchester City have had an opening bid for England midfielder Elliot Anderson rejected by Nottingham Forest, as the two clubs brace for a potential record-breaking transfer. The 23-year-old, who has been selected in Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad after a stellar season at the City Ground, is leaning towards a move to the Etihad Stadium over Manchester United, according to BBC Sport.
A growing expectation that Anderson will leave this summer prompted City to formalise their interest, with their first offer now rebuffed. The Athletic reported the rejection. A potential fee for the Newcastle academy graduate could eclipse the £105m Arsenal paid West Ham for Declan Rice in 2023, setting a new British transfer record.
“Manchester City's opening bid for Elliot Anderson was rejected by Nottingham Forest, with a record fee possible.”
City's need for midfield reinforcements has been sharpened by the impending departure of captain Bernardo Silva. Anderson tops their list of targets, though the club also hold Sandro Tonali in high regard, with reports suggesting the Italy international has been monitored as a long-term option. Nico Gonzalez, who missed out on Spain's World Cup squad and fell out of favour under Pep Guardiola last season, may depart if the right offer arrives.
Meanwhile, Tottenham are making progress in negotiations to sign Manchester City winger Savinho, with talks advancing over a deal worth about £60m for the 22-year-old Brazil international. Manchester United, having lost ground in the Anderson race, remain intent on signing the midfielder, but Anderson has expressed a desire to join City, according to talkSPORT.
Elsewhere in the transfer window, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are best positioned to move for Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella, with the Spain defender keen on a change of scenery after four years at Stamford Bridge. Newcastle will target Monaco's Lamine Camara should Sandro Tonali or Joe Willock leave St James' Park this summer. Manchester United scouts assessed Inter Milan striker Pio Esposito in action for Italy against Greece, while Paris St-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani, on loan at Tottenham last season, wants to join Juventus. City are also weighing moves for Real Madrid's Rodrygo and Everton's Iliman Ndiaye, and are eyeing a young natural right-back to supplement Matheus Nunes.
Liverpool have Sporting's Goncalo Inacio on their list of replacements for departing defender Ibrahima Konate, Atalanta are in talks with Forest to bring Nicolo Savona back to Serie A, and AC Milan are set to hold a second round of talks with ex-Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner to become their new coach.