Manchester City close in on £100m Elliot Anderson deal as United walk away

Manchester City are poised to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson for around £100m after Manchester United withdrew from the race, unwilling to meet Forest’s asking price and aware that the 23-year-old would prefer the Etihad over Old Trafford.

City’s confidence in landing Anderson has grown despite Pep Guardiola’s recent departure. Incoming manager Enzo Maresca is expected to take charge at the Etihad and has already given his approval to the signing, providing continuity in the club’s pursuit.

Forest are under no pressure to sell cheaply. The club are aware that Anderson’s value could rise further if he performs well for England at the World Cup, where he is expected to start the opening group-stage match against Croatia in Dallas. Forest have indicated they will not stand in Anderson’s way if he chooses to move to a larger club this summer.

Anderson joined Forest from Newcastle in 2024 for £35m and has developed rapidly into one of the Premier League’s most influential midfielders. He reached 50 appearances for the season in last weekend’s match against Bournemouth, with Forest supporters giving him a standing ovation. He also won the 2025 European Under-21 Championship with England.

City would prefer to complete the deal before the World Cup gets underway. Whether Forest’s valuation holds firm or climbs higher may depend on how Anderson fares on the international stage.

United, meanwhile, will look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements. Adam Wharton, Carlos Belaba, and Real Madrid pair Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde are among the names under consideration. A move for Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister has also been floated internally, though the club acknowledges that negotiating with a direct rival makes any such deal highly unlikely.