Man City's Anderson Bid Rebuffed by Forest as Midfield Pursuit Continues

Manchester City have had their initial proposal for Elliot Anderson knocked back by Nottingham Forest, David Ornstein has confirmed.

The 23-year-old midfielder has established himself as one of the Premier League's standout operators since arriving at the City Ground for £35m from Newcastle in summer 2024. He's primed to feature prominently in England's midfield at the World Cup this summer, expected to line up alongside Declan Rice at the tournament.

Both Manchester clubs have been circling the England international, but Forest aren't about to sell cheaply. The Midlands outfit are holding out for at least £100m, and Ornstein's latest report indicates they've already turned down City's opening gambit.

The Athletic's transfer correspondent notes that City's pursuit remains very much active, though Forest are braced for Anderson's probable departure and intend to extract maximum value from any deal. Recent precedent suggests they have a case: Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and Declan Rice have all commanded fees exceeding £100m in recent transfers, while Arsenal's £105m package to West Ham for Declan Rice in July 2023 sets a benchmark some view as the standard for elite midfield talent.

Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis and City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak were both present at UEFA's Champions League dinner in Budapest last Thursday, though sources indicate no formal negotiations over Anderson took place during the gathering.

Manchester United's interest in Anderson appears to have cooled, with other midfield targets deemed more realistic given the price tag involved. The Red Devils simply wouldn't be able to match City's willingness to spend on the Forest man.

United's recruitment focus has shifted elsewhere. Ornstein confirmed Tuesday that the club have reached an agreement with Atalanta to sign midfielder Ederson. The 26-year-old will join on a four-year deal with an option for a fifth, with a fixed fee of €40.5m plus €4.5m in potential add-ons. Medical checks and formal completion are scheduled for early July.

That deal represents just the beginning of United's summer business. Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has suggested the Red Devils will remain extremely active in the market, particularly in midfield following the departures of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte.