- Man City are leading the race for Elliot Anderson
- Nottingham Forest are pushing for a high transfer fee
- Giving into these demands might not be necessary
Nottingham Forest want a British transfer record for Elliot Anderson, but Manchester City should be careful not to blow their budget.
So in case you haven’t heard, Man City are attempting to sign Anderson from Nottingham Forest this summer.
One official bid has already been sent, but it was rejected by Nottingham Forest, who are demanding a £110m sum.
Man City are preparing a second offer, as you would expect. However, it is important that the club do not give into the pressure they face.
Man City are leading Man United in the race for Anderson
Although Arsenal have been mentioned a few times, it is a contest between City and United to secure Anderson.
And for a while now, the Citizens are the team who have consistently been in the lead to get the midfielder signed up.
Therefore, there is no rush to get a deal over the line, especially with the World Cup taking place over the next month.
Instead, City should take things slowly and play hardball. Gradually raising their offer is fine, but a sudden jump would be unwise.
Anderson wants to join Man City
It feels like the ball is very much in City’s court here. They are the ones in control of proceedings, because Anderson wants a Man City move as soon as possible.
With the England international’s mind already made up, there is nothing much Forest can do except hold him hostage, which would not work out in their favour.
For the East Midlands outfit, it makes sense to take what money they can get for Anderson, while allowing themselves enough time to find an adequate replacement.
Additionally, since Anderson wants to join City rather than the Red Devils, Forest know that a higher bid from the latter team would by no means ensure a deal.
Nottingham Forest cannot keep Anderson
There is simply no way Anderson will be happy to remain at Forest beyond the summer, considering their overall performance during the past season.
Had they won the Europa League, things could well be different. But instead, Vitor Pereira’s side barely avoided the drop in the Premier League.
A season without European football will not be at all appealing to the 23-year-old, so he is going to leave the club in the next few months.
And with City leading the race, they should push on to sign Anderson, but without caving for Forest’s demands.
This is a player, who while being a fine talent, has only managed eight goal involvements in the Premier League this season. So rather than going in with an all guns blazing approach, City should show absolutely no desperation.
The key is to push for as good a deal as possible, ensuring Anderson becomes a sky blue without the £100m mark needing to be exceeded.
