Manchester City believe they are edging closer to a breakthrough with Nottingham Forest over a deal agreement for Elliot Anderson, according to Flashscore sources.
The £100million-rated midfielder is currently with England preparing for the World Cup, and he could soon have plenty to celebrate as a mega-transfer becomes more likely.
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City have always held confidence they will beat Manchester United to the signing of Anderson23.
They made an initial approach last week that was knocked back, but immediately signalled they would remain in the hunt to sign him. City want Anderson because of his proven status within the Premier League but also because of his homegrown status.
They have been very keen to sign a new central midfielder as a priority, and set their focus on Anderson months ago as the top target.
There has remained a reluctance to meet Nottingham Forest’s valuation of the player, but sources are indicating that City sense they have made significant progress in recent discussions and may soon be in a position to formalise their personal offer to the player.
Club-to-club talks are understood to be ongoing, with negotiations now focused on finding common ground on the overall package and payment structure. While Forest have remained firm in their valuation, there is growing belief at the Etihad Stadium that an agreement can eventually be reached.
Anderson has emerged as one of the most sought-after midfielders in English football following an outstanding campaign, attracting interest from several top clubs. However, City’s long-standing admiration for the player and their clear desire to strengthen in central midfield have placed them at the front of the queue.
Pep Guardiola has left the club, but that was always possible and is not expected to have any impact on the player’s desire to move to City.
City view Anderson as a player capable of making an immediate impact while also fitting into the club’s long-term plans. His energy, technical quality and experience in the Premier League are all attributes that have impressed City’s recruitment team.
Ideally, City had hoped to conclude negotiations before the World Cup gets underway. Doing so would allow Anderson to focus fully on England’s campaign while enabling the Premier League side to turn their attention to strengthening other areas of the squad during what is expected to be another busy transfer window.
With discussions continuing behind the scenes, City remain increasingly confident that a breakthrough is within reach and that Anderson could soon become a marquee midfield signing.
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