Manchester City have had an opening bid for midfielder Elliot Anderson rejected by Nottingham Forest, as the 23-year-old England international leans towards a move to the Etihad Stadium over Manchester United. BBC Sport reported last week that Anderson is leaning towards City, and the reigning Premier League champions have now formalised their interest with a first bid, which was rebuffed, according to The Athletic.
Anderson enjoyed a stellar season with Forest and has been selected in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico. A potential fee could be a record for a British player, eclipsing the £105m Arsenal paid West Ham for Declan Rice in 2023. City captain Bernardo Silva's exit means they are looking to bolster midfield, with Anderson topping the list of targets. Newcastle's Sandro Tonali is another long-term target, while Nico Gonzalez may depart if the right offer comes in.
“Man City bid for Elliot Anderson rejected; Man Utd hope Maya Le Tissier connection helps sign Alex Scott.”
Meanwhile, across Manchester, United are hoping a unique advantage helps them land another England midfielder: Alex Scott. The 22-year-old has travelled with England to World Cup 2026 as one of five additional players providing cover during pre-tournament friendlies, though he is not in the official party. Scott was an unused substitute in a 1-0 win over New Zealand and could feature in Wednesday's final warm-up against Costa Rica.
Scott's step-sister, Maya Le Tissier, captains the Manchester United women's side, a factor that could sway his decision. Chelsea are also reportedly ready to bid for Scott. Speaking at a press conference after his call-up, Scott said: "We've grown up together, playing football together in the same teams back home, local football. We're very close. We speak most days. ... She has told me to just enjoy it and be yourself and show what you can do." Le Tissier joined United from Brighton in 2022 and was named in the PFA Women's Super League Team of the Year after her debut season. With reported interest mounting, United could use every edge in their pursuit of the midfielder.