Nottingham Forest hoping for bidding war over Man City target Elliot Anderson

• Manchester City are long-term admirers of Elliot Anderson.
• Nottingham Forest are hoping for a significant fee for the midfielder.
• Manchester United are also very interested.

Manchester City transfer target Elliot Anderson could become the centre of a major bidding war, with Nottingham Forest keen to secure the maximum possible fee for his departure.

Anderson has been heavily linked with a move away from Forest this summer, and City have reportedly made contact over a potential deal.

However, according to TEAMTalk, no agreement has been reached, and Forest are looking to start a ‘bidding war’ for the 23-year-old England international.

With Manchester United also in the race, Anderson’s current club are determined to extract maximum value for one of their most prized assets.

Nottingham Forest looking to ignite bidding war for Elliot Anderson

Speaking to the news outlet, transfer expert Graeme Bailey explained the interest surrounding Anderson will play into Forest’s hands come the transfer window.

While losing a player like Anderson is never easy, recouping a significant fee to reinvest into the squad can mean the club gains more than it loses overall.

Nottingham Forest are actively 'encouraging' a bidding war for Elliot Anderson this summer 🤑

Manchester City are ahead of Manchester United in the race…

Update with insight from @GraemeBailey ⤵️ #NFFC #MCFC #MUFC https://t.co/K7MZcEJfTm

— TEAMtalk (@TEAMtalk) April 8, 2026

Bailey said: “With Elliot Anderson, which one club benefits massively from multiple clubs being interested? Nottingham Forest.

“They don’t want anyone to think that Manchester City have this tied down – they want a bidding war and that is completely understandable. They want top-of-the-market price, they want to be able to get a deal into three figures.

“Is Anderson worth £100million? There is that age old argument that nobody is, but in the current market it is hard not to see him in that bracket, his stock is going up and up.”

Man City remain front-runners in race for Elliot Anderson

While Forest intend to stand firm on their valuation, Anderson’s most likely destination is still the Etihad Stadium.

City are expected to make significant moves in the summer window, and with Rodri’s contract situation still uncertain, Anderson would make for an ideal replacement.

🚨📈 Forest expect Manchester United to remain seriously in the race for Elliot #Anderson. Manchester City have also registered their interest, although their current focus is on extending Rodri’s contract. #MUFC #MCFC

So far, no club has made direct contact with Forest. A fee… pic.twitter.com/uQJCMTY0pg

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) April 6, 2026

The pressing need for midfield reinforcements means Man City are likely to push harder for Anderson than their rivals.

Still, if United are capable of pushing up the bidding for the Forest star, then City may have to pay far more than they would like to secure their man.