Romano gives Man Utd hope as Nottingham Forest respond to €139m Anderson bid

10 Jun 2026 20:04 BST | 4 min read

Elliot Anderson, Nottingham Forest, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

Nottingham Forest have rebuffed a fresh offer from Manchester City for Elliot Anderson, presenting Manchester United with an opportunity to swoop in.

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The 23-year-old is a top target for both Manchester clubs, but the Cityzens have been in the box seat for Anderson for several weeks. The player is understood to be keen on a move to the Etihad, leaving Man Utd chasing shadows.

Man City formalised their interest in Anderson earlier this month when they made an opening bid for the Nottingham Forest midfielder. However, this offer was rebuffed by the City Ground outfit.

Current ETV

Elliot Anderson

M, DM (C)

N. Forest

Elliot Anderson

M, DM (C)

N. Forest

ETV Range

€57.1M - €69.8M

Forest have made it known that they want a British record fee to consider selling Anderson. They managed to remain in the Premier League, and there are three years left on the England star's contract. Consequently, they feel under no obligation to cash in on him.

According to David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano, Man City have now made a fresh offer that came close to the record. However, Forest have yet again knocked the proposal back.

City have new Anderson bid rejected

Ornstein reports that the total package of Man City's offer was in excess of €139 million. The current British record is held by Alexander Isak, who joined Liverpool from Newcastle for €145m last summer.

Forest have told City that they will not consider add-ons. They want the upfront fee to break Isak's record. Romano writes that the club's position is informed by the strong interest in Anderson from Man Utd.

It seems that Forest are hoping for a bidding war between the two Manchester clubs, but the Red Devils have thus far remained disciplined. They have not made an offer for Anderson due to his preference for City.

Indeed, it has been reported that Man Utd are not looking to make a marquee signing like Anderson anyway. Instead of splurging their entire budget on one player, they want to buy volume ahead of their return to the Champions League.

Nevertheless, they remain attentive to the situation. Should an opening arise, they would be foolish not to at least give it a try. Anderson is simply too good a player.

Man City insist that they will not be fleeced by Forest. No fresh talks were held following the rejection of the bid, although that doesn't mean that they have given up on the 23-year-old. They may yet return.

However, they also have alternatives lined up. Romano states that Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali could become their top midfield target should they decide to abandon their pursuit of Anderson.

At the same time, though, City have now shown their hand. Newcastle will be aware that City have close to €140m to spend, so why not demand a similar fee for Tonali?

With the window not even officially open yet, the summer of midfielders is only just beginning. There will be plenty more developments in the coming days and weeks.

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