Manchester City and Manchester United are locked in a transfer race for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson this summer. The 23-year-old England international has caught the eye of both clubs with his strong play, and family reasons make a move to Manchester his top choice. City leads the chase. They'll need to pay big to land him.
Key Takeaways
- Manchester City prepared a 115 million euro offer for Elliot Anderson and contacted his agents.
- Nottingham Forest won't sell below 93 million euros; they bought him for £35 million in 2024.
- Anderson prefers City over United due to family ties, but United see him as a priority target.
- Other clubs like Liverpool, Newcastle, and Chelsea show interest, pushing fees toward £100 million.
Background
Elliot Anderson joined Nottingham Forest in 2024 for £35 million. He came from Newcastle United. Since then, he's turned heads. The midfielder plays with vision and energy. Forest sit mid-table in the Premier League. But Anderson shines. He made his England senior debut this season. That boosted his profile. Scouts from top clubs watched him closely. Including in Forest's recent 2-1 loss to City. Pep Guardiola at City rates him highly. Sources say City see him as a key piece for their midfield next season.
Anderson's contract runs to 2029. That gives Forest use. They know he's likely to leave. Relegation fears add pressure. If Forest drop down, they'll have little choice but to sell. Anderson wants the move. Family in Manchester pulls him there. He told those close to him City tops his list. But United push hard too. They've made him a top target under their current setup.
City sent scouts to Forest matches all season. Guardiola wants to wrap up the deal soon. Before any big tournaments that could hike his price. His market value sits around €32 million now. But demand will drive it way up. Forest paid £35 million to get him. They'll want triple that back at least.
And it's not just the Manchester clubs. Liverpool keep tabs. Newcastle, his old team, watch too. Chelsea entered the mix recently. A bidding war brews. All eyes on summer 2026.
Key Details
City moved first. They prepped an offer worth 115 million euros. That's over £100 million. Agents got the call. Forest set their line at 93 million euros minimum. No lower bids accepted. Anderson impressed in that City game last weekend. Controlled midfield despite the loss. Stats back it up. High pass accuracy. Key tackles won.
Anderson's Rise at Forest
At 23, he's already a starter. England call-up came after consistent form. Forest fans love his drive. But big clubs call louder. United see him fixing their midfield gaps. City want depth behind their stars. Guardiola admires his technical skills. Quick feet. Good vision. Fits City's style perfect.
Reports say United made him priority one. Sky sources confirm City keen too. Anderson leans City. Family reasons seal it for him. But price tags scare. Forest demand £80-100 million range. City held back so far on the full amount. United ready to match?
"Elliot has told his circle he's prioritizing Manchester City for the move." – Club insider close to negotiations
City confident now. After his England bow. Forest accepted he'll go. Substantial fee incoming. They turned £35 million profit easy.
Interest wider. Daily Mail notes Liverpool and Newcastle in. Mirror adds Chelsea. All watch Forest games. Anderson's form steady. Goals, assists pile up. Contract to 2029 means no rush. But summer window heats fast.
City aim to beat United to it. Rivals in same city. Adds spice. Anderson's display versus City weekend tipped scales. Guardiola's team leads race. But United won't quit. Check our coverage on top clubs scouting Genk trio for more transfer buzz. And see how Diego Pavia stays defiant at NFL Combine amid scrutiny.
What This Means
A deal this big shakes the market. Over £100 million for a 23-year-old. Sets new benchmarks. Forest cash in huge. Helps them stay up or rebuild. City get midfield boost. Fits Guardiola's plan. United miss out? Hurts their rebuild. Anderson to City strengthens rivals. United fans groan.
England team benefits. He grows at top level. Premier League stays strong. Money flows back to Forest. Smaller clubs gain from sales. But lose talent. Cycle continues. Price could climb higher. Bidding war real. Liverpool jump in? Fee tops £120 million easy.
Family angle key. Manchester born and bred feel. Won't drag saga. Quick deal likely. City scouts locked on. United push back. Watch summer window. Anderson's next step big. Changes fortunes. Forest smile with payout. City dream treble again? United plot comeback.
Scouts pack Forest stadiums. Guardiola targets him top. United interim boss eyes squad refresh. All ties to this chase. Market values shift. Midfielders now gold. Anderson leads pack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much will Elliot Anderson cost?
A: Forest want at least 93 million euros. Bids around 115 million euros floated. Could hit £100 million or more in war.
Q: Why does Anderson prefer Manchester?
A: Family reasons. He favors City but open to United. Ties keep him local.
Q: Which clubs besides City and United want him?
A: Liverpool, Newcastle, Chelsea show strong interest per reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will Elliot Anderson cost?
Forest want at least 93 million euros. Bids around 115 million euros floated. Could hit £100 million or more in war.
Why does Anderson prefer Manchester?
Family reasons. He favors City but open to United. Ties keep him local.
Which clubs besides City and United want him?
Liverpool, Newcastle, Chelsea show strong interest per reports.
