Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson tipped for Manchester City move

Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson is increasingly expected to join Manchester City this summer, according to widespread reports. The 23-year-old, who is also a target for Manchester United, is believed to be leaning towards a move to the Etihad Stadium, with several of his Forest teammates reportedly convinced a transfer to the reigning Premier League champions is on the cards. The clubs are yet to agree a fee, with negotiations set to intensify once Forest's top-flight status for next season is secured.

According to the Daily Mail, City are prepared to offer substantial personal terms to secure Anderson's signature, with the player considered a primary target for Pep Guardiola's side. The report states that a move to City is considered a 'done deal' in some quarters, an assertion first reported by TEAMtalk earlier this month. Furthermore, it is understood that the potential departure of Guardiola, whose contract expires this summer, would not deter Anderson from joining nor affect City's determination to complete the transfer.

Anderson has developed into a key figure for Nottingham Forest since his arrival, with his dynamic performances in central midfield attracting attention from the division's elite. His potential availability has sparked a significant battle, with Manchester United also viewing him as a top transfer priority. However, the current momentum appears to be with City, who are now tasked with negotiating a deal with Forest's notoriously tough negotiators.

Forest are expected to command a significant fee for their prized asset, with various reports valuing Anderson anywhere between £70 million and a staggering £125 million. The club's past dealings, such as the protracted and ultimately failed move involving Morgan Gibbs-White and Tottenham, suggest negotiations could be complex. Forest's valuation will likely be influenced by their final league position and the intense competition for his signature.

Should Anderson complete a move to the Etihad, it would represent a major coup for City and a significant step in the player's career. For Manchester United, missing out on their primary target would force a pivot to alternative options. The club is known to have a lengthy shortlist of midfield reinforcements, including names such as Brighton's Carlos Baleba, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, and Bayern Munich's Sandro Tonali.

The prospective transfer underscores the financial and sporting gulf within the Premier League, with City poised to reinforce their squad with one of the league's most promising talents from a direct rival. For Anderson, a move to the champions would offer the platform of Champions League football and the chance to compete for major honours, aligning with his reported ambitions to cement a place in the England squad ahead of the next World Cup.