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.
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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.
