Thomas Tuchel discusses impact of Man City transfer talk on England midfielder Elliot Anderson | OneFootball

Thomas Tuchel has addressed Manchester City’s pursuit of Elliot Anderson at the FIFA World Cup, insisting the transfer interest should act as a push for the midfielder rather than a distraction.

Anderson produced a player-of-the-match display in England‘s 3-0 friendly win over Costa Rica in Orlando, Florida, with his performance arriving against the backdrop of City’s second bid worth in excess of £120 million being rejected by Nottingham Forest.

The 23-year-old has already received permission from Tuchel to undergo a Manchester City medical within the England camp as the German coach said he would not stand in the way of players completing transfers – provided the timing aligned with the team’s preparation.

Tuchel: It should push him – it’s proof of what he’s capable of

Asked whether Anderson was aware of City’s latest bid, Tuchel said: “No comment! He seems not affected. It was an amazing performance, so all fine,” as quoted by ESPN.

Tuchel confirmed his England assistant has spoken to Anderson about the situation involving City’s transfer interest, before expanding on how he expects the midfielder to handle the speculation.

The Three Lions boss added: “If that’s the case, it should push him because it’s proof of what he’s capable to do and what level he can perform.

“At the moment it seems like a push. Even if – if – a transfer is completed, hopefully he stays the same person. Nothing will change overnight with him if he wakes up, he’s not a new player.

“People will try to hang around his neck this price but, in reality, nothing changes, he just changes the club. Hopefully he just stays the same – a humble, determined, hungry player.

“I don’t want to go into it too much if it’s a boost or not – what I see in training is no distractions, full commitment.”

What is the wider context for City’s Anderson pursuit?

City remain locked in negotiations with City Ground officials over a fee, with Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis having regarded a second £121 million (£106 million up front and £15 million in add-ons) as unacceptable while reluctantly accepting that a sale will happen this summer.

Manchester United withdrew from the race earlier this week, leaving City as the only club at the table who can discuss transfer fees at the level of Forest’s demands – and removing the threat of a bidding war that Forest had hoped would drive the fee towards a British record.

Tuchel’s comments suggest Anderson is handling the situation with maturity, with his performances in North America only strengthening the conviction at the Etihad Stadium that he is the right player to anchor incoming Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca‘s midfield rebuild.

Anderson is understood to be key to Maresca’s plans for next season, with City expected to continue negotiations with Forest in the coming days as they look to close the gap to Marinakis‘ demands.