Manchester City appear to be leading the race to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, who has also drawn significant interest from Manchester United.

The 23-year-old is widely expected to leave the City Ground during the summer transfer window. As per a report by BBC Sport, Anderson increasingly prefers a move to Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium rather than joining Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Anderson delivered an impressive 2025/26 season under the guidance of manager Vitor Pereira, featuring in every Premier League fixture and playing a crucial role in helping Nottingham Forest secure their top-flight status.

City are keen to bring him on board as they enter a new chapter following the exit of Pep Guardiola. With former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca strongly linked with the managerial position, securing one of England’s most promising young midfielders has become a key objective, though no formal deal has yet been agreed upon.

Meanwhile, Manchester United remain interested in Anderson as part of their efforts to strengthen their midfield ahead of the 2026–27 season.

Michael Carrick’s men were recently reminded of Anderson’s quality when he delivered two exceptional assists against them at Old Trafford earlier this month.

However, despite their admiration, United are reluctant to engage in a bidding battle. The club’s recruitment team has maintained a disciplined approach to their valuation, giving Manchester City the early upper hand in the negotiations.

If the transfer goes through, the eventual fee could break the existing British transfer record, surpassing the £105 million that Arsenal paid West Ham United for Declan Rice.

Nottingham Forest hold a strong negotiating position, fully aware that Anderson is their most prized player. The midfielder is expected to start for England under Thomas Tuchel at the forthcoming World Cup in North America, partnering Declan Rice in central midfield. A strong showing on the world stage could further boost his market value.