Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson has become the subject of growing transfer speculation after reports suggested Manchester City may already be positioned to secure the highly rated England international.
The 23-year-old’s impressive performances throughout the current season have placed him firmly on the radar of several leading clubs, with Manchester United also reportedly monitoring his development closely.
However, recent claims indicate that Manchester City may have moved decisively in the race to sign Anderson, potentially positioning themselves ahead of their Premier League rivals for the midfielder’s signature.
The growing speculation intensified after Anderson produced an eye-catching display during Nottingham Forest’s recent 2–2 draw against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
During that match the midfielder scored a superb equaliser, delivering a performance that many observers interpreted as further evidence of his readiness for a move to one of England’s elite clubs.
Claims Suggest Deal Already Close
Transfer insider Graeme Bailey recently suggested that discussions surrounding Anderson’s future may already be well advanced, describing the potential move to Manchester City in unusually definitive terms.
“I have to be honest, for several weeks now, from numerous sources, I am told that Anderson to City is a done deal.”
Bailey also indicated that the Premier League champions have been tracking Anderson for a considerable period, suggesting the interest did not emerge suddenly during the current transfer window.
“City have been on Anderson for months, since last year. I am told Hugo Viana picked him out last summer as one he wanted.”
Those comments suggest that senior figures involved in Manchester City’s recruitment planning may have identified Anderson as a priority target well before the current wave of speculation began circulating.
Player Believed To Know His Next Destination
Bailey further claimed that many individuals within football circles already believe the midfielder’s next club has effectively been decided despite the absence of a formally announced agreement.
“In football circles, the belief is that Anderson is only going to one place and that is City.”
“Whilst City and Forest are not confirming anything, I think that whilst nothing is signed, Anderson knows where he will be playing next season and that will be the Etihad.”
Such remarks have intensified speculation that negotiations may be progressing quietly behind the scenes, even though neither club has officially confirmed discussions regarding the player’s future.
Transfer Fee And United Interest
Reports indicate Nottingham Forest could demand a transfer fee in the region of £90 million should they agree to sell the midfielder during the upcoming transfer window.
That valuation reflects Anderson’s growing reputation as one of the Premier League’s most promising young midfielders following a season filled with influential performances and crucial goals.
Separate reports suggest the player may favour a move to Manchester City over Manchester United if he ultimately decides to leave Nottingham Forest this summer.
For City, Anderson could represent a long-term midfield investment as the club evaluates succession planning around key players such as Rodri, who has recently dealt with injuries and will turn thirty later this year.
The ongoing speculation highlights Anderson’s rapidly rising profile within English football, with his next career move likely to attract significant attention when the transfer window officially opens.
