Man City have opening Anderson bid rejected by Forest

Manchester City had an opening bid for midfielder Elliot Anderson rejected by Nottingham Forest. The 23-year-old England international leaned towards a move to Etihad Stadium over Manchester United, according to BBC Sport reports from last week. There was growing expectation that Anderson would leave the City Ground this summer, and City formalized their interest with their first bid rebuffed, as reported by The Athletic. Anderson had a stellar season with Forest and was selected for Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup. A potential fee for Anderson could become a record for a British player, possibly eclipsing the £105m Arsenal paid West Ham for Declan Rice in 2023. City was ahead of Manchester United in the race for Anderson as of May 26. Manchester City has long admired Newcastle academy graduate Anderson. The player was preparing for the tournament in the US, Canada, and Mexico, while club-to-club talks could continue. With Captain Bernardo Silva's exit, City sought to bolster their midfield, and Anderson topped their list of targets. Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali is another player understood to be highly rated by City, with reports suggesting the Italy international has been monitored as a long-term target. Nico Gonzalez, who missed out on a place in the Spain squad for the World Cup and fell out of favor under Pep Guardiola last season, might depart if the right offer materializes. Sources indicated that City also looked to sign a right-back to supplement Matheus Nunes, 28, who excelled in that position this season after being converted from midfield. City eyed the profile of a young full-back that is natural in that position, capable of growing into the role in the future.