Man City confirm deal to sign England star Elliot Anderson for club-record fee | OneFootball

Manchester City have secured the signing of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, with the deal set to be formally completed once the player returns from the World Cup.

The 23-year-old, who is currently with the England squad preparing for a last-16 clash against Mexico, underwent his medical in Kansas, where the national team is based.

Confirming the agreement, a Manchester City statement read: "Manchester City and Nottingham Forest have reached an agreement for the transfer of Elliot Anderson. The formalities of the move will be finalised upon his return to England. In the meantime, everyone at Manchester City wishes Elliot and the England squad the very best of luck in their World Cup campaign and we look forward to welcoming him to Manchester in due course."

While initial reports suggested a British record fee of £130m, sources indicate the transfer figure falls below the £125m Liverpool paid Newcastle for Alexander Isak last summer. The fee is understood to be closer to £116m, which nonetheless establishes a new club record for City.

Anderson has been a key player for England at the World Cup (Reuters)

Anderson marks the first acquisition of the post-Pep Guardiola era and is expected to provide a significant boost to new manager Enzo Maresca, whose return to the club was confirmed earlier this week.

The midfielder has been a consistent starter in all four of England’s World Cup matches, earning high praise from national team boss Thomas Tuchel during the preparation camp.

Tuchel described Anderson as "the full package”, adding: "He’s a top player. There’s nothing more to say, he’s the full package. I’m happy that he’s with us on that kind of level and he’s a key player for us."

Anderson looks set to continue in England’s midfield against Mexico on Sunday, although it is less clear over who will play alongside him.

Anderson has established a strong connection with Declan Rice under Tuchel, but the Arsenal midfielder filled in at right-back during the closing stages of England’s 2-1 win over DR Congo on Wednesday.

Should Rice be asked to play at right-back again, Tuchel could opt to drop Jude Bellingham into a deeper midfield role, or call upon Kobbie Mainoo to make his first appearance of the tournament.