Manchester City has advanced negotiations to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson before England departs for the upcoming World Cup in North America.
The Premier League champions have agreed to personal terms in principle with the 23-year-old midfielder on a five-year contract, positioning themselves ahead of rivals Manchester United.
Sporting director Hugo Viana is leading Manchester City's effort to secure Anderson as a core piece for the club's midfield rebuild following the potential departures of Bernardo Silva and Rodri.
Nottingham Forest is demanding a record-breaking transfer fee that could surpass the 105 million pounds Arsenal paid for Declan Rice in 2023, making Anderson the most expensive English player in history.
Manchester City is reportedly willing to break its own transfer record of 100 million pounds, previously set by the signing of Jack Grealish from Aston Villa in 2021.
Anderson's Impressive Performance
Anderson recently impressed during Nottingham Forest's 3-2 defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, providing two assists while leading the match in duels won, possession recoveries, and final third entries.
Manchester United permanent managerial appointee Michael Carrick had eyed Anderson as a primary target to replace the departing Casemiro, but the high valuation and City's advanced position have complicated United's pursuit.
Due to the massive price tag, talkSPORT chief football correspondent Alex Crook suggested that Manchester United might shift its focus to cheaper alternatives like Newcastle's Sandro Tonali.
Former Manchester United player Paul Scholes also expressed concern on a podcast that his former club would miss out on Anderson due to interest from Manchester City.
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has also emerged as another highly sought-after alternative in the transfer market after delivering strong performances under manager Oliver Glasner.
"It is incredible how he reads the game and how far he is ahead of it," said Oliver Glasner after the game.
"This is his biggest strength."
National team coaching staff are reportedly hoping for a swift resolution to Anderson's transfer saga so the midfielder can remain fully focused during the tournament.
Crook highlighted that Tonali remains on United's radar alongside other targets. "He is one of the names on United's list.
I think he'd be cheaper than many of those names on their list, certainly cheaper than Elliot Anderson."
The correspondent noted that Anderson's performance at Old Trafford served as a highly effective audition for top clubs.
"As job auditions go, Anderson couldn't have done a lot more could he?" Crook added.
"Great midfield performance, two great assists."
Manchester United acknowledges the fierce competition from across the city for the midfielder's signature.
"Anderson would be the dream target but I think United are aware there is strong interest from Manchester City."
Crook speculated on how managerial changes might influence the player's ultimate decision.
"I think we all expect that Guardiola could leave at the end of the season and maybe Elliot Anderson will see United as a more stable club with that in mind."
Co-host Angelina Kelly suggested that Manchester City's historical discipline regarding transfer fees could still leave a window open for United.
"When it comes to Manchester City, they have walked away from big deals before when the price has got a bit too much."
Scholes shared his assessment of the primary midfield targets available for top clubs this summer. "There's three: Adam Wharton, Sandro Tonali and Elliot Anderson.
The only thing I think about Elliot Anderson, I've got a feeling Manchester City might go for him."
Negotiations between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest remain ongoing as both clubs look to finalize the transfer fee structure before the tournament begins.
