Elliot Anderson: Manchester City have second bid rejected for Nottingham Forest midfielder

Manchester CitySecond bid worth £120 million Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson was rejected.

City have intensified their bid for the 23-year-old England international with an initial offer of £106 million plus add-ons.

If they sign Anderson it would dwarf the £105m Arsenal paid West Ham for Declan Rice in 2023 – a record transfer for an English player.

City had an opening bid rejected by Forest earlier this month and Anderson’s preference was for a move to the Etihad Stadium over Manchester United, but personal terms are not an issue.

United are effectively out of the running as they do not want to get into a bidding war and only want players who are willing to join them.

City have long been fans of Newcastle academy graduate Anderson. The player is currently preparing for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, but negotiations between the clubs may continue.

He started England’s 3-0 win over Costa Rica on Wednesday; this was the Three Lions’ final friendly before their World Cup opener against Croatia on 17 June.

Anderson was one of Forest’s star players, who reached the Europa League semi-finals last season and avoided relegation from the Premier League despite having four managers.

He arrived from Newcastle for £35 million in 2024 and has scored six goals in 92 appearances.

Bernardo Silva’s departure from City at the end of his contract means they are looking to strengthen their midfield and Anderson is at the top of the list of potential targets.

Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali is also a player highly rated by City. Reports suggest the Italy international is also being monitored as a long-term target.