Manchester City have had a second bid for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson turned down, despite increasing their offer to a package worth £120m.
City’s latest proposal was understood to include £106m upfront, with the rest made up of add-ons. If a deal eventually happens at that level, Anderson would become the most expensive English player in history, surpassing the £105m Arsenal paid West Ham for Declan Rice in 2023.
Forest had already rejected an earlier approach from City this month. Anderson is believed to favor a move to the Etihad Stadium over Manchester United, and agreeing personal terms is not expected to be a problem.
United are now effectively no longer in contention. The club did not want to become involved in an expensive bidding contest and has been focusing on players who are fully committed to joining them.
City have admired Anderson for some time. The 23-year-old England international, who came through Newcastle’s academy, is currently with the national team preparing for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Even so, negotiations between the clubs can continue while he is away.
Anderson started England’s 3-0 friendly win over Costa Rica on Wednesday, their final warm-up before facing Croatia in their World Cup opener on June 17.
He was one of Forest’s standout players last season, helping the club avoid Premier League relegation and reach the Europa League semi-finals during a turbulent campaign that included four different managers.
Forest signed Anderson from Newcastle in 2024 for £35m. Since then, he has made 92 appearances and scored six goals.
City are looking to strengthen in midfield following Bernardo Silva’s departure at the end of his contract, and Anderson is currently viewed as their leading target. Sandro Tonali of Newcastle is also admired by the club and has reportedly been tracked as a possible long-term option.
