Sergio Aguero praises Elliot Anderson as Evangelos Marinakis drives hard Manchester City bargain | OneFootball

Manchester City have made Elliot Anderson their top target to replace Bernardo Silva, and Nottingham Forest have already rejected two bids, including an offer worth more than £120m. It is increasingly seen as a matter of when rather than if he moves this summer, with price the sticking point.

"From what I've read, City are currently leading the race for Anderson. He's a very complete box-to-box player who wins the ball back and helps create play. He covers a lot of ground and, with Bernardo's departure, although they have different characteristics, he could play a very important role in the team if the transfer is completed." He was speaking to Stake.

Silva is leaving as a free agent this summer after nine years at the Etihad Stadium, winning 20 major trophies and making more than 450 appearances. Replacing his influence in midfield is a priority and City have tracked Anderson for some time.

Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is prepared to drive a hard bargain amid an air of inevitability about Anderson's exit after a sterling season. There has been talk of a package worth up to £130m for the 23-year-old.

Anderson is currently with England ahead of their World Cup opener on June 17, and City are thought to want a deal concluded by then. Manchester United have monitored the Three Lions midfielder but are unwilling to enter a bidding war and appear to have been priced out.

Source: Nottingham Post