Manchester City are leading the pursuit of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, with the 23-year-old understood to favour a move to the Etihad Stadium over cross-city rivals Manchester United.

Anderson is widely expected to leave the City Ground this summer, and Forest are bracing for a significant departure. United, for their part, are reluctant to enter lengthy negotiations or pay over the odds for the player.

No agreement has been reached between Forest and City, and the two clubs remain far apart on valuation — meaning the situation remains fluid. Should a deal eventually be struck, the fee could set a new British transfer record, surpassing the £105 million Arsenal paid West Ham for Declan Rice in 2023.

Forest's bargaining position

There is a sense at the City Ground that if a marquee sale happens this summer, Anderson will be the player to go. A strong showing at the upcoming World Cup with England could only strengthen Forest's hand in any transfer negotiations.

Forest manager Vitor Pereira, speaking after Sunday's 1-1 draw with Bournemouth, made clear he wants to hold on to his best players. He said Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White both deserve the top of the world, though Anderson is currently the more likely of the two to depart — particularly with Forest having no European football to offer next season after finishing 16th in the Premier League.