Manchester City have had an opening bid of £80m for midfielder Elliot Anderson rejected by Nottingham Forest. The 23-year-old England international, who is preparing for the World Cup with Thomas Tuchel's squad, is leaning towards a move to the Etihad Stadium over Manchester United, according to reports last week. But United's executives remain optimistic they can beat their rivals to the £100m-rated player.
City formalised their interest with the bid after a growing expectation that Anderson will leave the City Ground this summer. The player has a contract until June 2029 but is widely expected to depart. A potential fee could eclipse the £105m Arsenal paid for Declan Rice in 2023, potentially setting a record for a British player.
“Manchester City's £80m bid for Elliot Anderson was rejected by Nottingham Forest, who value him at £100m.”
United's director of football, Jason Wilcox, is also monitoring Mateus Fernandes, the 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder who was relegated with West Ham. The Hammers are believed to want about £80m for Fernandes, though that may be unrealistic. Wilcox previously worked with Fernandes at Southampton and his move to West Ham was overseen by Kyle Macaulay, now United's head of senior scouting.
Anderson's current salary at Forest is approximately £100,000 a week, and he can expect a 50% increase regardless of which Manchester club he joins. United have already agreed a €40.5m (£35m) deal for Atalanta's Éderson, but Sir Jim Ratcliffe would be prepared to meet Anderson's wage demands should he choose Old Trafford.
City, meanwhile, are also looking to sign a right-back and have long admired Newcastle academy graduate Anderson. Captain Bernardo Silva's exit has left a midfield gap, and sources indicate the club aim to supplement Matheus Nunes, who excelled in the position after being converted. Nico Gonzalez may depart if the right offer arrives, and Sandro Tonali is another monitored target.
Anderson is expected to start England's opening World Cup match against Croatia on 17 June. Club-to-club talks can continue while he is at the tournament.