Man City close in on Elliot Anderson deal as Nottingham demand £90m

Manchester City are reportedly on the verge of agreeing a deal to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson in the summer.

The 23-year-old has been linked to top Premier League clubs in the past few months, with Manchester United also monitoring his situation. However, City are prepared to make the first move after witnessing his brilliance when they played Nottingham on Wednesday night.

Anderson popped up with a stunning equaliser at the Etihad Stadium to earn the visitors a hard-fought draw.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, City are now prepared to get a deal over the line as soon as possible.

Erling Haaland of Manchester City interacts with Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Reporter Graeme Bailey said: “I have to be honest, for several weeks now, from numerous sources, I am told that Anderson to City is a done deal. City have been on Anderson for months, since last year. I am told Hugo Viana picked him out last summer as one he wanted.” This proactive approach has seen City jump to the front of the queue, leaving their neighbours at Old Trafford trailing in their wake.”

The deal is expected to be one of the most expensive of the summer window, with Nottingham Forest reportedly holding out for a fee in the region of £90 million ($120 million).

Elliot Anderson scores his side’s second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest. (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)

Despite the lack of official confirmation from either side, it is being reported that the consensus is that the transfer is a formality. Bailey added: “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.”

While City will be happy to get this sorted in the summer, the move represents a significant blow to Manchester United, who had also identified the England international as a priority target to replace aging stars like Casemiro.