Manchester City have seen their first bid for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson rejected, as the club look to strengthen their midfield this summer.
The 23-year-old England international is understood to be leaning towards a move to the Etihad Stadium over rivals Manchester United, according to BBC Sport.
There is a growing expectation that Anderson will leave the City Ground before the transfer window closes, with City now having formalised their interest through an official offer.
Anderson enjoyed a stellar season with Forest and has earned a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup taking place in the US, Canada and Mexico.
A potential fee for the midfielder could set a record for a British player, eclipsing the £105m Arsenal paid West Ham for Declan Rice in 2023.
City have long been admirers of the Newcastle academy graduate, and club-to-club negotiations can continue even as Anderson prepares for the tournament.
The departure of captain Bernardo Silva has left a significant void in City’s midfield, pushing the club to act swiftly in pursuit of their top target.
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 favour under Pep Guardiola last season, may leave the club if a suitable offer arrives.
City are also reportedly seeking a right-back to supplement Matheus Nunes, 28, who excelled in the position this season after being converted from midfield.
The club are targeting a young full-back who is natural in that position and capable of developing into the role over the coming years.
With several moving parts in their summer rebuild, City appear determined to make Anderson the centrepiece of their transfer activity heading into the new season.
