Manchester City launch opening bid for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest have rejected an opening bid from Manchester City for England international midfielder Elliot Anderson, it has been revealed.

Following intense off-field work to finalise a compensation packages with Chelsea over Enzo Maresca‘s appointment as new head coach, the club’s recruitment staff has simulatenously turned its full focus toward reshaping playing staff.

While City concluded their latest domestic campaign by lifting an FA Cup and Carabao Cup double, the loss of the top-flight title battle to Arsenal has ignited an internal push to inject energetic, elite domestic talent into the squad.

The pursuit of a new midfielder arrives as City’s recruiting team moves aggressively, as several high-earning, long-serving stars like Jack Grealish continue to move towards permanent exits in search of guaranteed first-team minutes, alongside veteran figures moving on.

Anderson’s spectacular breakout campaigns at the City Ground – which culminated in his first senior international caps for England over the past year – has quickly elevated him to the very top of Maresca’s wishlist, as well as those at numerous other leading top-flight clubs such as Manchester United.

Man City face rejection in opening Anderson bid

Now, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein and Laurie Whitwell, Manchester City have made an opening offer for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson – which has been rejected by those at the City Ground.

However, it is insisted that City’s pursuit of the England international remains ongoing as those at Nottingham Forest aim to get the best possible deal for Anderson if he is to leave the club this summer.

It is further revealed that Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis and City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak spoke at UEFA’s Champions League dinner in Budapest last Thursday, although there is said to be no suggestion that they negotiated on Anderson.

What next for Man City and Elliot Anderson?

The pushback from Nottingham Forest sets up an intriguing chess match just days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament officially gets underway in North America on June 11.

Forest are under no immediate financial pressure to sell and are likely to demand a premium package that accurately reflects his status as a homegrown, full England international, in a valuation that could only increase further should he perform as expected.

However, with Hugo Viana and Manchester City armed with considerable financial leverage once more regardless of their January investment and signings over the last 18 months, an improved secondary structure will test Forest’s resolve once more.

Enzo Maresca will be eager to have the midfielder’s signing wrapped up before the first-team squad reports back for pre-season in July, although his presence on the grass should he complete a move is unlikely until later in the month owing to his World Cup duties.